i am an orphan who was in the foster care system.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Foster care is a system in which a minor has been placed into a ward, group home, or private home of a state-certified caregiver, referred to as a \"foster parent\". The placement of the child is normally arranged through the government or a social service agency. The institution, group home or foster parent is compensated for expenses. The State, via the family court and child protection services agency, stand \"in loco parentis\" to the minor, making all legal decisions while the foster parent is responsible for the day-to-day care of the minor. The vast majority of children who would otherwise need foster care are in kinship care, that is, in the care of grandparents or other relatives. Most kinship care is done informally, without the involvement of a court or public organization. However, in the U.S., formal kinship care is increasingly common. In 2012, a quarter of all children in formal foster care were placed with relatives. In Australia foster care was known as \"boarding-out\". Foster care had its early stages in South Australia in 1866 and stretched to the second half of the 19th century. It is said that the system was mostly run by women until the early 20th century. Then the control was centered in many state children's departments.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "Are you familiar with the foster care system?  I may be interested in being a foster parent."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yes, you could become a foster parent if you go through a state-certified foster program. You will be compensated for your expenses."}, {"role": "user", "content": "It's nice that they provide compensation, however, my heart breaks for children needing a home."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yes, me too. Lots of kids who would otherwise wind up in foster care do sometimes end up being place with grandparents or relative."}, {"role": "user", "content": "That's the best thing that could happen...for them to end up with family. Do you know how long the process takes to become a foster parent?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "I'm not sure how long the process takes but it is normally arranged through the government or a social service agency."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Ok.  So I guess I will contact them and get the process started.  How long has the foster care system been around?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Foster care has been around for many years but was mostly run by women until the early 20th century."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Interesting.  You seem to know a lot about this system. Is there anything else you can share?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yes, if you are going to do it maybe consider a teenager as they are some of the most vulnerable in the foster care system."}]