AIPAR (Association for the Protection of Girls and Families), a Private Institution of Social Solidarity based in Faro, is launching this week the campaign "Time to Welcome: Bonds that make a difference", an awareness initiative running throughout February that aims to inform the public about foster care for children and young people and to recruit new foster families in the region.

The figures are clear and concerning: 95% of children in care in Portugal live in institutions, the highest rate in Europe. Only 2% are placed with foster families, putting the country last among European member states. In most EU countries, the situation is reversed: foster care is the preferred option, and institutions are a last resort.

Foster care is a temporary protection measure that involves placing a child or young person at risk in a stable family environment whenever separation from their birth family is required. It is not adoption: it is a transitional arrangement, supported by a professional team, which ensures the child receives affection, stability and the routines of family life whilst their situation is resolved.

AIPAR, founded in 1932 and registered as a social solidarity institution since 1988, signed a cooperation agreement with the Social Security Institute in November 2022 to manage the Foster Care Programme for Children and Young People. Its area of intervention covers the entire Algarve region and includes ongoing technical support and monthly financial assistance for foster families.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Advertiser;

The campaign

The "Tempo de Acolher" campaign will run throughout February on AIPAR's social media channels and through in-person events across the region. Over the coming weeks, the association will share information about how the fostering process works, the requirements for becoming a foster family, the support available, and real testimonies from families who have already fostered.

The initiative has already been featured in regional and national media, including an interview on the programme A Nossa Tarde (RTP1) on 4 February: youtube.com/watch?v=EKIfdirPR4s

Who can become a foster family

Any individual or couple over 25 years of age and residing in Portugal can apply to become a foster family, provided they are not an adoption candidate. Children and young people between 0 and 18 years of age can be fostered. Foster families receive a monthly allowance of €627, with a 15% supplement for children under 6 or with a disability or chronic illness. They also benefit from tax relief and employment rights, including authorised absences, leave entitlements and support until the child reaches 15 years of age.

AIPAR's professional team supports the entire process, from the application stage through to the end of the placement, providing training, psychological support and ongoing guidance to families.

A matter of priorities

The "Tempo de Acolher" campaign is not intended to pressure anyone. AIPAR believes the decision to foster should be an informed and considered one. That is why the approach is straightforward: to explain what foster care is, how it works and what support is available, so that each family can make their own decision.

"Growing up with stable emotional bonds changes a child's life. Foster care exists to ensure precisely that: a home, even if temporary, where every child is seen and heard."

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

AIPAR (Association for the Protection of Girls and Families) Foster Care Team for Children and Young People Rua Monsenhor Henrique Ferreira da Silva, No. 10, 8005-137 Faro
Telephone: +351 966 683 137 / 966 683 191 Landline: +351 289 865 891/2
Email: protecao.acolhimentofamiliar@gmail.com
Website: www.protecaoarapariga.pt
Instagram: @aipar_faro
Facebook: /Associacaodeprotecaoaraparigaeafamilia