text: when a child becomes a ward of the state are they always taken from the home? i have a friend who says her child has recently become a ward of the state.  i find that strange because the child is still currently residing with her mother in their home.  i was wondering if it takes time before the child is placed in foster care or a juvenile detention center or if in some cases the child is allowed to stay living in their current home. usually the child is removed from the home due to circumstances surrounding the case. they go into foster care and if they cannot make it there then they go into a childrens home where they normally grow up in. if you are a foster parent or wish guardianship... if you and your household is approved then said child might be able to stay with you. it is a process with alot of  red tape. i would talk to the cse worker who is handling the childs case and i would do it quickly.