fóstraði

Fóstraði is an Icelandic term that broadly translates to foster care or fostering. It refers to a system where children are placed in the care of individuals or families who are not their biological parents, typically due to circumstances where their biological parents are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care. This situation can arise for various reasons, including parental illness, substance abuse, neglect, or legal issues.

The primary goal of fóstraði is to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of the child. Foster families provide a stable and nurturing environment, offering a sense of security and belonging. The placement can be temporary, with the aim of reunification with the biological family if circumstances improve, or it can be long-term if reunification is not possible.

The Icelandic child welfare system oversees fóstraði, which involves social workers who assess potential foster families, match them with children, and provide ongoing support to both the foster family and the child. This support often includes counseling, financial assistance, and guidance on navigating the complexities of the foster care experience. The system emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with the child's biological family whenever it is deemed to be in the child's best interest.