Mexico Takes the First Step into Foster Care

The Foster Care system has been growing in importance and in numbers in many countries, such as UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia and the United States, which has the largest number of children being served.

In recent years, people have been paying more attention to the importance of child and youth care, and being more conscious about the responsibility that society has in taking care of its young ones. The Foster Care system brings to these kids the opportunity to live with a family who cares about them, and provide the necessary support for them to reach their fullest potential and grow with a mentally of healthier and happier future.

Last year, Mexico took a major step in protection of children and adolescents area, having the First National Encounter on foster families. This meeting had the objective to establish guidelines for this alternative care system. The Latin American Foster Care Network, for the Right to community- and family-based care for children and adolescents (RELAF), the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) — a Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of the Mexican families — and UNICEF Mexico were the hosts in this conference, where 32 representatives from various states of Mexico attended.

The conference was in order to develop standards, best practices, and programs, as well as discuss the challenges of building a comprehensive alternative care policy based on family and community coexistence. The pilot program has already started and at this moment, the training is being held for the families.