In South Africa, approximately 300 000 children are in foster care. The strength of foster care lies in ordinary people stepping in to make an extraordinary difference.
Observed globally each year on 31 May, World Foster Day recognises the families, social workers, and communities who offer love, safety, and stability to vulnerable children. It not only highlights the urgent need for more foster parents but also the profound impact foster care can have on a child’s life.
“World Foster Day gives us the opportunity to raise awareness, celebrate foster families, and create sustainable change by encouraging communities to support children currently in care,” says Alma Botha, social services manager at Badisa,
Badisa, a registered child protection organisation, works closely with children and families throughout the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape.
According to its 2023-’24 annual report, Badisa provided foster care supervision services to 4 227 children, with nearly half (49%) already placed in permanent foster care.
“The South African foster care system is far from perfect, but its strength lies in ordinary people stepping in to make an extraordinary difference,” says Botha.
Fostering giving children a second chance
Botha recalls a case that was reported to their office involving two minor children, aged five and eight, who were living in unfavourable circumstances with their biological parents due to substance abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence.
Initially placed with safety parents, they later moved into foster care with a trusted community member. Today, the children are thriving emotionally and academically, while maintaining healthy family connections.
“It’s stories like these that demonstrate how foster care can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life,” Botha explains.
“But we need more families, more support, and more public understanding to ensure every child gets that chance.”
Alma Botha, social services manager Badisa
Foster care in South Africa is guided by the Children’s Act (2005), which prioritises the best interests of the child and encourages kinship care. This is done by placing children with relatives or community members who can provide a sense of continuity and belonging. According to Botha, kinship placements are often the most effective form of alternative care.
South African foster care system ‘faces real challenges’
“Social workers are managing unreasonably high caseloads. There are often delays in getting court orders, and we don’t always have enough resources to monitor placements or support foster families properly. Also, achieving permanency for a child, whether through reunification, guardianship, or adoption, can be a long and frustrating journey.”
These challenges are made more complex by a lack of feedback between organisations, delays in administrative processes, and the emotional strain families face.
Social workers the backbone of system
“Foster parents often feel uncertain, especially when there’s a possibility of reunification with the biological family,” Botha says. “That’s where social workers come in. We don’t just manage the legal side, but we offer emotional support, conduct regular home visits and counselling, and make referrals to professionals when needed.”
Social workers also help prepare and train foster parents, ensuring they understand the realities of caring for children who may have experienced trauma.
“Children in foster care may struggle to adapt as a result of emotional or behavioural challenges. Our job is to journey with the foster families through training, home visits, and family conferences to make sure everyone feels supported and heard.”
‘Foster care thrives when supported by broader community’
While misconceptions about foster care persist, Botha wants the public to see it for what it truly is: a powerful tool for healing.
“Foster care is about giving children and families a second chance. But we need communities, churches, and businesses to stand behind us to reduce the stigma, provide practical support, and get involved in real ways.”
To learn more about foster parenting or to get involved, visit badisa.org.za.
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