ABC Family has landed Rosie O’Donnell for a recurring role in The Fosters starring Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Jake T. Austin, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci, and Cierra Ramirez. The drama series was created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, with Jennifer Lopez involved as an executive producer.

In the upcoming 2014 season, O’Donnell will play Rita Hendricks, a character described as a “tough yet compassionate woman who works in the foster care system and becomes a mentor to a member of the Foster family.” The network says O’Donnell’s character will have a three-episode arc.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful, heartwarming show. My kids and I never miss it,” said O’Donnell about being involved in the series.

“When Rosie O’Donnell tweeted that she loved The Fosters, we knew we had to reach out and try to snap her up! Having witnessed her support of foster children and blended families, we knew she would be a perfect fit for the show,” said Paige and Bredeweg.

The Plot:

The Fosters is a compelling, one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Stef Foster, a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams Foster, a school Vice Principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef’s biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon, and their adopted twins Mariana and Jesus.

Their lives are disrupted in unexpected ways when Lena meets Callie, a guarded teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. Lena and Stef warily welcome Callie and her younger brother Jude into their home hoping to provide them with the guidance and nurturing they so desperately need.

Over time, Callie and Jude open up about losing their parents and the hardships they suffered while in previous foster homes. Callie grows especially close to Brandon, but their mutual attraction causes jealousy and concern since foster children are not allowed to have intimate relationships in the same household. When Callie finally gives in to those feelings, she jeopardizes Stef and Lena’s offer to make her and Jude a permanent part of the family. Not wanting to ruin Jude’s chances of finally finding a stable, loving home, Callie runs away.

– More on The Fosters: Interview with Jake T Austin