Privacy Policy

1. Overview

FosterData.org (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is a service of Foster & Adoption Support, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that data.

By using FosterData.org, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.

2. Information We Collect

2a. Information you provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide, such as your email address and name when you create an account, subscribe to updates, or contact us.

2b. Information collected automatically

When you visit our site, we may automatically collect certain technical information including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited. This information is used in aggregate to understand how visitors use our site and to improve our service.

2c. Cookies

We use essential cookies required for site functionality (such as authentication session cookies). We do not use advertising trackers or sell data to third-party advertisers. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some site features may not function correctly as a result.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve FosterData.org and its features
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send you updates about our research and data releases (only if you opt in)
• Understand aggregate usage patterns to improve our content
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Account data is retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter in case you choose to reactivate.

5. Third-Party Services

We use a limited number of trusted third-party services to operate our site, including hosting infrastructure and analytics. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may not use it for their own purposes.

Links to external websites (such as government data sources) are provided for reference. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Opt out of non-essential communications at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@fosterdata.org.

7. Children’s Privacy

FosterData.org is an informational resource intended for adults including researchers, advocates, policymakers, and prospective foster parents. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided personal information, we will delete it promptly.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page with a revised “last updated” date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy may be directed to us at our contact page or by email at info@fosterdata.org.