RÚV reports that more children than ever need to be fostered in Iceland, despite a steady decline in the number of available foster homes. As of the end of last year, more than 420 of her children were in foster care in Iceland, with between 120 and 170 of her children being placed in some form of foster care each year, according to the National Office for Children and Families. is needed.
According to the agency’s website, there are three types of foster care in Iceland. A child in temporary foster care is usually placed in foster care for up to one year, but she can extend it to two years if necessary. The goal in this situation is to return the children to their biological parents. Children in long-term foster care are intended to remain in foster care until they reach the age of 18, with no goal of returning to their biological parents. Supported Foster Care is for children with special or special care needs for up to two years. Children in protected foster settings may have behavioral and emotional problems and/or may come from an unsafe living environment. Supported foster care is considered a “full-time job” for her one of the child’s foster parents.
There is a particular need today for foster parents who can place children in temporary and supported foster care. Applications for supported foster care have more than doubled for him over the past decade.
“We always need more”
Agency director Olof Asta Farestveit says there is a shortage of foster parents across the country, but especially in the greater Tokyo area. She said it would be difficult to pinpoint the exact number of foster homes currently needed, but she stressed that “we always need more foster homes.”
“The reality is that not all children are suitable for all foster parents, and all foster parents are different. but mainly looking for all kinds of parents who can provide the care their children need.
“They always teach us something, much more than we teach them.”
Sonja Björg Írisar Jóhannsdóttir and Kolbrún Helga Margrétar Pálsdóttir have been foster parents for about a year and a half and are also participating in the ‘Support Family’ program. Children in this program spend time with their support families. Support families help create social and support networks for their children, while giving parents much-needed space and time to themselves.
Both women understand and find the multifaceted role of parenting exciting.
“We have up to four children: one foster child, two support children and one blood child,” said Sonja Björg. “We’re getting to know ourselves again. We’re always looking at new and fresh things. Learning something new about ourselves.”
Colbrunn agreed. “Yes, and these kids are the best in the world. They always teach us something, more than we teach them.”
To become a foster carer in Iceland, you must attend a competency assessment and a 5-day course. “She has to take a good look at herself,” said Sonya Bjorg. “Your family life, childhood and all. But it’s also really beneficial and a lot of fun.”
