A temporary adoptive home. Usually this phrase is used to describe homes and families who host children who are up for adoption, but who either haven't finalized the adoption process, or don't intend to adopt but are offering a home, whether for a few days or several years, that is (hopefully) more stable than an orphanage. However, it is also used in the context of stray animals - the SPCA will often seek foster homes for injured animals in recovery for whom the SPCA cages would be inappropriate.