TIRANA, October 3 /ATA/ During a visit to the Special Center for Children aged 4–14, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu presented a new package of bylaws regarding alternative family-based care for children.
This package sets a unified standard and procedures for the selection, training, certification and monitoring of professional foster families, as well as for the follow-up of the child throughout the entire period of alternative care.
Some time ago, Parliament passed the Alternative Care Act—a piece of legislation that received strong support from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. I believe it forms the foundation of our core vision: that every action taken must be in the best interest of the child. Fortunately, yesterday the government approved four key decisions—the result of extensive preparation. These decisions clearly outline the legal steps required when a child cannot receive parental care or live with their biological family, and must instead be placed in alternative family care, said Spahiu.
As part of the social care reform, plans are underway to establish a nationwide network of approximately 200 foster families. These families will welcome at-risk children and those without parental care who currently reside in social care institutions. To support this initiative, foster families will receive a monthly stipend, along with an additional monthly allowance of 12,000 lek to cover the child’s daily needs, and an annual payment of 35,000 lek for school supplies and other developmental expenses. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./
