New form of family placement introduced in Kazakhstan
Tengrinews.kz – A new form of family care — the professional foster family — was introduced in Kazakhstan on July 1, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education.
“This is a temporary but important measure aimed at creating a safe and nurturing home environment for children left without parental care,” the Ministry stated.
Professional foster families may care for up to four children at the same time. All candidates wishing to become foster parents must first complete mandatory training.
This training is provided at state institutions for orphans as well as at accredited organizations authorized to educate those who wish to take children into their families.
The final decision on appointing candidates will be made by guardianship and custody authorities after a comprehensive review of documents and compliance with legal requirements, the Ministry of Education added.
Selection and training of professional foster parents is already underway.
“One of the key advantages of this new form is that children will be placed directly into families, bypassing institutional care. This will help minimize psychological trauma and provide the child with a stable family environment from the first days after being identified,” noted Nasymzhan Ospanova, Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights.
The professional foster caregiver will receive a monthly allowance for the child's support, along with a salary.
There are currently four forms of family placement in Kazakhstan: adoption, guardianship, patronage, and foster care.