Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the measures that the Ministry has taken to encourage more suitable families to act as foster parents; and (b) what are the challenges that inhibit greater enrolment of foster parents.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) seeks to place more children in state care with foster parents as a safe and stable home environment is key to their growth and resilience. We have implemented several measures to encourage more suitable families to foster children.

First, we collaborate with media outlets, community organisations, religious groups and corporate partners to raise awareness of fostering and highlight its positive, lasting impact on children from difficult backgrounds. A key initiative is the Annual Fostering Open House, where prospective foster parents hear first-hand testimonials from foster families and children.

MSF supports foster parents through our five appointed Fostering Agencies. Foster parents receive training on caring for foster children; receive support and guidance from designated foster care worker; an allowance to help defray out-of-pocket costs; and are eligible for childcare leave to help them balance caregiving responsibilities. In 2022, MSF increased the monthly fostering allowance to $1,100 per child and $1,500 for a child with special needs. Foster children also receive additional subsidies for healthcare, childcare and student care. We have seen an increase in the number of foster families from 595 families in 2021 to 614 families in 2023.

Despite these efforts, there are challenges in recruiting more foster parents. Common concerns include having sufficient time and resources to meet the needs of a foster child, potential conflicts that may arise between family members and foster children, and the emotional difficulty when children return to their birth families. MSF is addressing these concerns. For example, we developed a Fostering Starter Kit to better prepare parents and other family members to receive the foster child. When it is time for the foster child to part with the family, the transition process is paced and the Foster Care Workers work closely with foster parents to provide counselling and emotional support where necessary.

The benefits of being cared for by foster families who provide a secure environment lasts a lifetime for the foster children from difficult backgrounds. We encourage more families to join us as foster parents.