Foster Families Find Strength in Numbers
In Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH), foster parents and children live in a unique situation. The challenges they encounter are often very different from those of biological families. Without contact with others in similar situations, foster families can end up feeling isolated and alone.
Recognizing this need, USAID recently gave its support to the Association of Foster Families of Tuzla Canton ''Familija'' to organize the ''Network for Development of Fostering” throughout BiH. The goal of the network includes working to protect the interests of foster parents and children without parental care, mutual support and exchange of experiences, promotion of legislation favorable to fostering, and awareness-raising among government officials and the general public about the benefits of fostering. Members may include NGOs, centers for social work and indivuduals who believe that growing up in a family environment is a right of children without parental care.
Thanks to support from Tuzla Canton and Gracanica municipality, the network now has a “clubhouse” where foster families can participate in activities that enhance stronger bonding and socializing.
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| Mayor of Gracanica Nusret Helic (left) greets Sabina Halilovic who lives with a foster family. |
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| U.S. Ambassador Charles English reads to a foster child. |
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