noun
A child raised by a foster parent (里親), not by biological parents. Often used in social welfare contexts.
See also: 里親
彼女は里子として育った。
She grew up as a foster child.
里子に出された子供たちの支援が必要だ。
Support is needed for children placed in foster care.
noun
adopted animal; foster pet
Extended use: an animal (especially a pet) taken in and cared for by a foster owner, often from a shelter or rescue.
保護団体から里子として猫を引き取った。
We took in a cat as a foster pet from a rescue organization.