At present, 266 children are living with a family, this after they have gone through a fostering process and are being given the upbringing and love that all children deserve to have.
In the last 5 years, there has been an average of 30 foster placements, with the aim of having more in the coming time, in order to raise more awareness about fostering.
These details were announced by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon during the launch of a campaign that encourages more fostering and which is being run by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) ).
Minister Falzon spoke about how the government continued to strengthen various measures to help foster carers and their families. He also mentioned that several important steps have been taken in favor of families who are fostering and who wish to adopt the boy or girl, who will be under their protection.
It was explained here that the foster care allowance continues to be given to families who adopt the child they have fostered, with the allowance decreasing gradually over a period of 4 years, or until the child closes 21 years old.
In addition to this, the family that is adopting, will still be entitled to a refund grant on the costs related to the local adoption, which is currently up to €1,000; as well as from the payment of child benefits, in case of adoption of children under 16 years of age.
“Committed to continue our work in the very important fostering sector. Let’s continue to give an environment, affection and love of a family to every child. At the same time we continue to strengthen the level and the facilities in the children’s residences in our country who are also giving a positive upbringing”, concluded Minister Michael Falzon. .
