Poznań, like many other cities in Poland, faces a significant shortage of foster families. Currently, 77 children in the capital of Greater Poland are awaiting placement in a foster home. In response, the city has introduced additional support packages for professional foster families, including medical, housing, and co-financing for sports and cultural activities.
There are currently 391 foster families in Poznań, the majority being related families. Unfortunately, only 24 are professional families who, under an agreement with the city, provide full-time care for children. Jędrzej Solarski, the deputy mayor of Poznań, highlights that the growing need for family foster care is partly due to intensified intervention efforts to protect children from violence and neglect.
To encourage more people to become professional foster parents, Poznań is offering enhanced support in three key areas:
- Medical Package: Foster families can receive up to PLN 2,500 per month for diagnostics, medical, dental, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation care.
- Sports and Cultural Package: Up to PLN 1,000 per month for sports, recreational, and cultural activities to help children develop their passions and interests.
- Housing Support: Financial assistance for maintaining an apartment or house, including rent, utilities, and telecommunications services.
Additionally, the city offers financial support to cover child maintenance costs, allowances for disabled children, and the employment of a support family during substitute holidays. Foster families also have access to a coordinator who provides continuous contact, advice, and support in creating a care plan for the child.
Psychological and therapeutic support is another crucial element, available to both children and foster parents. Services include access to educators, psychologists, therapists, and participation in both in-person and online training sessions.
Foster parents can be married couples, partners, or individuals living alone, including seniors. Candidates undergo a qualification and training process organized by the “Swoboda” Family Support Center. In 2023, 38 individuals expressed interest in fostering children, and another 41 have inquired by May this year.
Poznań promotes foster parenting through social campaigns and collaboration with the government to develop necessary solutions in foster care. An upcoming information meeting will be held on May 29 at the Citadel, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interested individuals can also contact the Family Support Center “Swoboda” by phone at 61 648 60 49.
The city hopes that these new support measures will increase the number of foster families who can offer safe and loving homes to children in need.
