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Home > Glossary - B
Glossary - B
Many child welfare terms are subject to interpretation. The Glossary identifies commonly held definitions for terms that can be found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. It defines common acronyms and includes links to information on major Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.
background check
An investigation of prospective foster and adoptive parents and all adults residing in prospective foster and adoptive households. It includes a fingerprint check of Federal and State criminal records and child abuse and neglect registries. States may deny approval of an adoption application or foster care license if any adult in a household has been convicted of certain crimes, such as sexual abuse of a minor.
best interests of the child
A lawful determination by the State with jurisdiction to decide whether a particular action is in a child's best interests. Factors that are considered when making a "best interests" determination include safety, permanency, and well-being.
birth parent
An individual's biological mother or father.
boarder baby
An infant under the age of 12 months who remains in the hospital past the date of medical discharge. Boarder babies may eventually be claimed by their parents and/or be placed in alternative care.
bonding
The process of developing lasting emotional ties with one's immediate caregivers; seen as the first and primary developmental achievement of a human being and central to a person's ability to relate to others throughout life.
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