A new form of family placement has appeared in Kazakhstan – professional foster care

A new form of family placement has appeared in Kazakhstan since July 1 – a professional foster family, Tengrinews.kz reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Education.

"This is a temporary but important measure aimed at creating a safe and prosperous home environment for children left without parental care," the department said in a statement.

Professional foster families can raise up to four children at a time. Before accepting a child, all candidates for the role of foster parents undergo mandatory training.

Training is organized in state institutions for orphans, as well as in accredited organizations that have the right to train individuals wishing to adopt children into their families.

The final decision on the appointment of candidates will be made by the guardianship and trusteeship authorities after a comprehensive review of the documents and verification of compliance with legal requirements, the Ministry of Education reported.

The selection and training of professional adoptive parents is already underway.

"One of the key advantages of the new form is that children will be sent to families directly, bypassing boarding schools. This will minimize psychological trauma and provide the child with a stable family environment from the first days after identification," noted Nasymzhan Ospanova, Chairperson of the Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights of the Ministry of Education.

The foster professional educator will receive a monthly allowance for the child's maintenance. The educator's salary is also provided.

There are four forms of family arrangements in Kazakhstan: adoption, guardianship, patronage and foster family.