Minister Göktaş: We will strengthen the foster family service

In his speech at the Foster Family Service Civil Society Meeting held at the Sheikh Zayed Children's Homes Site, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said that associations, foundations and foster families operating in different fields came together at the event with a sense of common responsibility.

Stating that every child deserves to be loved, protected and belong to a family, and that it is the duty of the state to protect this right of children who cannot grow up with their families for various reasons, Göktaş said, "Today, 11 thousand 72 children are growing up with 9 thousand 327 foster families in our country. This is not a number, but 11 thousand 72 separate lives, 9 thousand 327 separate heart decisions." he said.

Stating that the foster families who made this decision were also in the hall, Göktaş thanked them.

Göktaş said, "You did not just give a child a room. You provided him with a family environment that offered him love, trust and a sense of belonging and supported his development. You are the best representatives of our nation's tradition of compassion today. I express my gratitude to each of you." he said.

Stating that the Voluntary Ambassadors Project, carried out under the auspices of First Lady Erdoğan, played an important role in the proliferation of foster family stories, Göktaş said that this brought the foster family service to all corners of the country.

Göktaş stated that volunteer ambassadors invited families to this beautiful journey in 81 provinces and were the voice of children, and said, "But we know that we still have children waiting for a door to open. We need more families to open those doors." he said.

Families may first hear about foster care in a conversation with friends, at a parent meeting, or at an association event. Before making a decision, they ask themselves "Can I do it?", "Will the child get used to me?", "Will I be alone on this path?" Noting that he asked the questions, Göktaş stated that trusted people and institutions played an important role in answering these questions.

Pointing to the contribution of non-governmental organizations to social solidarity, Göktaş said, "You come together with people in the neighborhood, at work, in volunteer networks and contribute to social solidarity. Correcting wrong information, eliminating a hesitation, encouraging a family to take the first step is possible with your support." he said.

Source: TRT Haber Açık RSS (Gündem) (Open Press / Translated Full Text)