Helping shape a new quality framework for fostercare homes

During the Youth Care Day organized by the Salvation Army, I walked among fellow foster family parents, experienced professionals, and other colleagues. Midway through the day, a conversation touched me deeply. A researcher spoke about redeveloping the quality standards for foster care homes, a framework that has been in place since 2019 and is now due for an update.

She asked if I wanted to contribute my perspective. Immediately, I felt this is something I must do. Not only because it is important for the children, but also for us as foster family parents. How can we do our work well in a way that is sustainable, safe, and supportive, while still giving each child the attention and care they need?

Over the past few weeks, I have begun filling out questionnaires and preparing to participate in focus group sessions. The goal is clear: to develop a new quality framework that truly reflects the daily reality of foster homes. It is not just about the children and youth living there, it is also about us, the foster family parents who guide them every day. How do we create an environment where children can thrive while we as foster parents have the support and professional space to carry out this work with confidence and resilience?

The new quality framework must be clear and practical, grounded in real-world experience, professional knowledge, and current insights. It should contribute to safety, stability, and development, while also providing foster parents with guidance and structure. By sharing my experiences and perspective, I hope to contribute to a framework that supports both children and us, a framework that helps make practical choices, provides clarity, and further professionalizes our work as foster family parents.

The process unfolds step by step. First, questionnaires are completed and focus group discussions are held. Then, draft criteria are developed and tested together with us as foster family parents, other professionals, children, and parents. Finally, the framework is finalized and implemented nationwide. Every step in this process feels like a small but meaningful contribution, a chance to have my voice heard and to help shape a future where both children and foster family parents truly matter.

I look forward to taking you along on this journey in the coming weeks. You will get to see how a quality framework is developed, not just a set of rules and documents, but practical, recognizable support for daily life in foster homes. It is remarkable to experience how collaboration, knowledge sharing, and real-life practice come together in something that helps children grow while supporting us as foster family parents to do this important work well.

Together, we are building a future where children can flourish, families can grow, and we as foster family parents can carry out our work with confidence, resilience, and fulfillment. Every step of the way, I feel grateful and motivated.