An event titled “Family-Focused Protection Approaches: Foster Family, Adoption” was held by the Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Social Services Program. During the event, family-focused service models for children in need of protection, along with the conditions for foster care and adoption, were discussed. Also discussed were the processes of returning to biological families and relatives, as well as the newly implemented temporary foster family and volunteer family models.
The event, held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emirnebi 2 Conference Hall, was attended by VSHS Social Services Program Head Asst. Prof. Melek Çaylak, Istanbul Provincial Deputy Director of the Ministry of Family and Social Services Ayten Yılmaz, Foster Family and Adoption Unit Manager Ayla Keyf, and students.
Ayten Yılmaz: “The biggest risk is being deprived of family affection”
Istanbul Provincial Deputy Director of the Ministry of Family and Social Services Ayten Yılmaz, addressing the profile of children in need of protection, stated that risk factors such as neglect, abuse, substance addiction, and violence lead children to state protection. Yılmaz said; “In accordance with the principle of a social state, if it is not possible for a child to remain with their biological family, our priority is always a relative’s home or a foster family model. Research shows that behavioral problems are much higher in children who do not grow up in a family environment. The biggest risk here is being deprived of family affection.”
“Our support continues until they are employed”
Yılmaz dispelled the public misconception that ‘children who turn 18 are left on the streets’, emphasizing that young people whose education continues remain under state protection until the age of 25. Yılmaz added; “We provide support not only for housing but also through our guidance units for young people who cannot be appointed to a position or want to start a business. We recently started hosting four teacher candidates from different provinces in Istanbul. Our support continues until they are employed…” she stated.
Approximately 1,300 foster families in Istanbul!
Yılmaz, also referring to the data across Istanbul, stated that there are approximately 1,300 foster families in the city, and this number exceeds 10,000 nationwide in Türkiye. Reminding that single individuals can also be foster parents, Yılmaz said; “Any citizen aged 25-65 with a regular income and at least a primary school education can change a child’s life.”
“Babies’ faces light up”
Yılmaz, also touching upon the emotional dimension of the foster family service, concluded her speech with the following words:
“When we see the babies a few weeks after placing them with foster families, we observe their faces lighting up and their gazes changing. That transformation in a child’s countenance is our greatest professional happiness.”
Ayla Keyf: “Economic conditions also changed preferences”
Ayla Keyf, Foster Family and Adoption Unit Manager, answering participants’ questions at the event, responded to the question, ‘Which age group do families prefer most?’ by saying; “5-6 years ago, everyone wanted babies, and any incoming baby was immediately placed with a family. However, now the preference has shifted to children aged 4 and above. Due to Istanbul’s economic conditions, families have to work, so they prefer children to be in kindergarten or preschool. Economic conditions have also changed preferences.”
Psychiatric intervention for behavioral disorders
Keyf, answering the question, ‘Do you experience the most difficulty with adolescent children during the foster care process?’ said; “Yes, especially adolescent girls tend to be more questioning. They can struggle with the question, ‘Why was I abandoned?’ Additionally, genetically transmitted conditions can manifest during this period. Here, not only adolescents but sometimes even a 10-year-old child can exhibit behavioral disorders such as emotional deprivation. In such cases, we immediately initiate psychiatric treatment.”
The event concluded after certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants and a group photo was taken.
