New monthly allowance to launch in Kazakhstan from July
At a briefing at the Central Communications Service, Ospan explained that professional foster families will be created to take in children recently left without parental care. This approach will allow children to be placed directly in professional foster families, bypassing institutional orphanages.
“This is a temporary measure aimed at creating a safe home environment for children. These families can simultaneously care for up to four children, providing each with individual attention and care,” said Ospan.
Only four categories of children will be placed in professional foster families:
Orphans
Children left without parental care
Homeless and neglected children
Victims of abuse
“All candidates for professional foster families must undergo mandatory psychological training. This training will be provided by specialized orphan organizations and accredited institutions that assist in placing children in families,” the vice minister explained.
Final decisions on appointing candidates will be made by guardianship authorities based on the completeness of documents and compliance with legal requirements.
“Each professional foster parent will receive a monthly allowance for each child. Additionally, the caregiver’s services will be remunerated,” Ospan added.
Currently, Kazakhstan has four forms of family care: adoption, guardianship, patronage, and foster families.
In May 2023, Mazhilis deputy Karakat Abden called for funds allocated for children’s homes to be redirected towards foster and patronage families.