This report from Family for Every Child explores rising concerns about the expansion of foster care services in low and middle income countries, including the lack of knowledge and understanding on how to implement effective, safe foster care programmes and the use of foster care when family separation is avoidable or when it is not the most appropriate form of alternative care. The report begins to fill the gap in understanding through an exploration of the literature and interviews with key global and country-level experts. It aims to assist in both states’ and NGOs’ decisions on whether to invest in foster care, and in the kinds of supportive services needed to make foster care safe and effective. It accompanies another paper that provides detailed information for those attempting to design and deliver safe and effective foster care programmes.
The evidence presented in the report suggests that foster care can be an important part of the continuum of care choices for children. When foster care is administered appropriately, with the proper mechanisms, structures and resources, it allows children to remain in a loving and caring family while authorities work towards family reintegration or permanent alternatives. However, foster care is not appropriate for all children in need of alternative care, and other options must also be available. The report concludes with key recommendations for policymakers including investing in foster care as part of a holistic national child care system which prioritises efforts to prevent family separation, and investing adequate resources to ensure that foster care is safe and of good quality.
