Fostering basics · Quick reference
Fostering acronyms: a quick reference
Fostering comes with a lot of new language. Conversations, emails, and paperwork can be full of initials that everyone else seems to know. This list brings together the acronyms we’ve come across, so you have a place to look them up.
Some acronyms have different meanings depending on the agency or setting. These are the meanings we’ve encountered in fostering, with local context where helpful.
The acronym list
- 504 plan
- A school plan for accommodations and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- AFC
- Attorney for the Child
In New York Family Court, AFC refers to the child’s attorney. You may have heard “advocate for child.” See New York Courts, Fourth Department.
- AP
- Adoptive parent
- BP
- Biological parent (bio parent)
- CASA
- Court Appointed Special Advocate
- CFS
- Child and Family Services
The Child and Family Services Division provides child and family welfare services through Monroe County DHS.
- CPP
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy
- CPS
- Child Protective Services
- CW
- Caseworker
- DV
- Domestic violence
- EI
- Early Intervention
- FD
- Foster daughter
- FFY
- Former foster youth
- FP
- Foster parent
- FS
- Foster son
- GAL
- Guardian ad litem
A person appointed by a judge to protect someone’s interests during a court case. See New York Courts’ guide to guardianship.
- ICPC
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
An agreement governing placements of children across state lines. See New York State’s ICPC information.
- IEP
- Individualized Education Program
A written plan describing a student’s special education services and supports. See NYS guidance on IEPs.
- IFS
- Intensive Family Support
Hillside’s IFS program supports Monroe County foster families and relative placements.
- MCDHS
- Monroe County Department of Human Services
The county department responsible for foster care, adoption, child protective services, and other assistance. Visit Monroe County Human Services.
- OCFS
- Office of Children and Family Services
The New York State agency overseeing child welfare services, including foster care and adoption. Visit NYS OCFS.
- SPCC
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Locally, Rochester’s SPCC uses the name Society for the Protection and Care of Children.
- SPR
- Service Plan Review
- SW
- Social worker
- TFC
- Therapeutic foster care
- TPR
- Termination of parental rights
- TVP
- Therapeutic Visitation Program