Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş Encourages Protective Family Model for Better Child Welfare
Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that the number of protective families has significantly increased since 2002, urging citizens to become protective families to change children’s lives.
Who: Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services
What: Encouragement to become protective families and an overview of the foster family system
When: On the occasion of June 30, Foster Family Day
Where: Announcement in Turkey
Why: To support the physical and psychological development of children in a safe and supportive family environment
How: By increasing the number of protective families and enhancing the protective family system through various projects and support measures
In a statement made on the occasion of June 30, Foster Family Day, Minister Göktaş emphasized the importance of a healthy and peaceful environment for children’s development. “In 2002, we had 500 protective families taking care of 515 children. Today, 8,547 protective families care for 10,256 children. I invite everyone to become a protective family and make a significant change in a child’s life,” she said.
Göktaş highlighted that children thrive better under the guidance of their families and within their social environment. “We prioritize services that support family unity and ensure that children grow up in their social surroundings. We are working towards creating the same conditions for all our children.”
Stressing the impact that each protective family has on the future, Göktaş noted, “Every protective family writes a story that will be remembered in the future.”
The minister also invited citizens to consider becoming protective families, stating that “Every child deserves to live in a loving home. It is our duty to nurture their dreams and hopes and help them grow into valuable members of society. I believe our nation shares this sensitivity.”
Addressing the financial support for protective families, Göktaş explained that the ministry provides an average of 8,515 TL per month to meet the children’s needs. Additionally, educational and training expenses are covered for children who seek vocational skills through public or private courses.
Minister Göktaş also announced the implementation of a new “Temporary Foster Family Model” in 30 pilot cities, aiming to strengthen the institutional capacity of the foster family service. She stated, “We plan to start the temporary foster family service model in 30 pilot cities by the end of this year and provide training to all protective families through the Protective Family Academy.”
Moreover, through the “Volunteers Project” initiated in 2012 under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, awareness and volunteerism around the foster family service have been promoted.
The foster family service model has also gained international attention. Minister Göktaş mentioned that Azerbaijan has adopted Turkey’s foster family system with technical support, and plans to offer similar support to Uzbekistan. “We aim to promote our Foster Family Service Model worldwide. During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, we will share our experiences with the theme ‘Ambassadors of the Heart of the World.'”
Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş
Republic of Turkey, Minister of Family and Social Services