Abstract: Problems concerning the functioning of the foster care system seem to be particularly significant due to the fact that several children are placed in it every day while it is worth analyzing the regulations adopted by other European countries. Material and methods: The present publication was written in order to compare the solutions adopted in both the Slovak Republic and Poland.The comparative analysis is based on available research, legal regulations and statistical data. Results: Both of the countries need to deal with the issue of deinstitutionalization, namely placing children from dysfunctional families in family care first. Slovakia has a far less developed system of foster care while Poland offers more solutions . Conclusions: The differences between the systems can be noticed, among other things, in regard to the requirements for foster caregivers, the types of financing and also the length of stay of adult foster children in the system.