It varies and depends on the case or situation of the biological family and other circumstances. Many of the biological parents get services through State departments they are involved with to help them get their children back. They may need to go to drug rehab, parenting classes, counseling, and/or get other housing. The average length of stay is 1 year, but may be shorter or longer. Sometimes, while the children are in foster care, the parents or biological family do not make the changes in their life to be able to provide a safe environment for the children and the State legally terminates parental rights and at that time the child is placed up for adoption. The amount of time it will take the child to be adopted also varies greatly.