Turkey's Ministry of Family and Social Services Expands Foster Care and Adoption Programs

The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services continues to prioritize family-oriented social services, ensuring children under state protection grow up in nurturing family environments rather than institutions. In observance of National Family Week, the Ministry highlighted its foster care and adoption initiatives. Since 2002, over 10,900 children have been placed with more than 9,100 foster families, a program strengthened by the 'Heart Ambassadors Project' launched in 2012. Additionally, 21,031 children have benefited from adoption services, with 681 new adoptions finalized this year. The Ministry also introduced a 'temporary foster family service' in cooperation with UNICEF and the European Union Delegation to support children awaiting permanent solutions or family reunification. This temporary model is currently active in numerous provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, having assisted 246 children to date. The initiative aims to provide immediate, compassionate care while legal and social assessments are conducted, reflecting the state's commitment to the psychosocial well-being of vulnerable children through collaborative responsibility between the government and private families.