A foster family cares for children and young people aged 0–18, prioritizing not only their physical development but also their emotional and moral growth. The state provides support to both the family and the child. Research by child development specialists shows that children generally fare better when raised in a family environment rather than in institutional care.
Both physically and emotionally, children tend to develop more healthily in family settings compared with institutions. Many people often ask questions such as “How do you become a foster family? What are the application requirements?” Those who want to become foster parents aim to support a child’s emotional and physical development.
How Much Do Foster Families Receive?
The state provides assistance to both volunteer and paid foster families. For each child in care, a foster family receives a monthly payment that helps cover the child’s needs. This payment is intended to contribute to the child’s education and daily care. In this way, the state supports families and encourages these humanitarian efforts.
2023 Foster Care Allowances
Foster families receive different amounts depending on the child’s age and schooling. The amounts listed here reflect the monthly care and allowance rates for various age groups:
| AGE / SCHOOL STATUS | PERCENTAGE | Monthly Care Fee | Monthly Pocket Money | Monthly Care + Pocket Money (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 YEARS | 50 | 923.26 TL | – | – |
| 4–5 YEARS | 75 | 1,384.89 TL | – | – |
| 15–18 YEARS (High School) | 85 | 1,569.54 TL | 215.76 | 1,785.30 |
| 19+ YEARS (Higher Education) | 90 | 1,350.04 | 359.59 | 2,021.45 |
| 1st–4th and 5th–8th grades (6–14 YEARS, Primary Education) |
80 | 1,477.21 | 107.88 / 161.82 | 1,585.09 TL / 161.82 TL |
In addition to these amounts, the state provides extra support for specific educational expenses. For example, if a child uses a school bus, an additional monthly contribution may be provided (around 300 TL). Students preparing for university entrance exams may be eligible for support of up to 6,000 TL.
Application Requirements to Become a Foster Family
Helping a child by offering guidance and care is a deeply rewarding experience. With state support, you can help give them a happier future. If you want to ensure these children grow into healthy, capable adults, you must meet certain criteria.
Application requirements to become a foster family include the following:
- Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey,
- Being between 25 and 65 years old,
- Having at least a primary school education,
- Having a regular source of income,
Single or married, male or female, with or without children — anyone meeting the requirements can apply to become a foster family. You must apply in person at your local Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Policies. Officials there will answer your questions and guide you through the process. With state guidance and information, questions like “How do you become a foster family?” become easier to navigate.
How to Obtain a Foster Family Certificate
By welcoming a child into your home, you can help them build a better life. Offering emotional warmth and practical support helps them experience true stability and happiness. To start the process, visit your nearest Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services office, obtain the application form, complete it, and submit the required documents.
Below are the typical documents required to apply for a foster family certificate:
- Copy of national ID card (T.C. identity),
- Criminal record certificate,
- Proof of income such as a payroll slip,
- Passport-type photograph,
- Copy of educational diploma,
- Documents proving completion of foster parent training, if available,
- Medical report,
The ministry may request additional documents if needed. Every two years, a health report and a criminal record check may be required again. With evolving policies, the state continues to expand support for foster families, benefiting both caregivers and children. Ensuring you have the required documents is an important step in meeting the foster family application requirements.
Who Can Become a Foster Family?
Applicants must be Turkish citizens who reside permanently in the country. People aged 25–65 with at least a primary school education and a steady income meet the basic age and education criteria.
Both people with and without children, married or single, may apply. Apart from biological parents or legal guardians, relatives can also be considered to become foster parents; such cases are reviewed closely, and decisions are made after evaluating education, age, and other factors.
Single applicants may wonder, “Who can be a foster family?” Single people who are at least 30 years old can be approved as foster parents. Authorities also consider whether the prospective foster parent can provide a family-like environment that protects the child’s sense of belonging.
How Long Does a Child Stay with a Foster Family?
Foster care can provide a child with a stable family setting during the time they live with you. The duration depends on the reason the child was placed under protection and may vary. A child may remain with a foster family for a long period, or they may return to their biological family when appropriate.
If reunification with the biological family is being considered, the child’s best interests are the top priority. Returning a child to their biological family requires a commission decision. Ultimately, the institution’s commission makes final determinations regarding the child’s placement.
Can a Child Be Taken Back from a Foster Family?
A child placed with a foster family may be removed and returned to state care if the foster family fails to meet required standards or displays inappropriate behavior. The child’s biological family may also request the child’s return under certain conditions. Reasons a child might be removed include the following:
- Failure to participate in professional support programs aimed at resolving incompatibility between the child and the foster family,
- The foster family’s inability to meet their responsibilities,
- Evidence that the child is not being treated with the expected care and behavior,
- The foster home cannot provide an environment where the child feels like part of a family,
- The foster family voluntarily withdraws from being a foster parent.
A social services expert prepares a social investigation report, which is submitted to the foster family and the commission. If the foster family contract is terminated under the foster family application rules, the child will be promptly removed from the household.
Can a Foster Parent Take a Child Abroad?
Foster parents meet a child’s needs and often provide the warmth and stability the child requires. If a foster parent wishes to travel abroad with the child for holiday or duty purposes, permission is needed. The request must be supported by consent from the legal guardian or custodian, and an approved report by the social worker assigned to monitor the child. The commission then reviews the request.
The commission must ensure there are no objections to the child traveling abroad. With a proposal from the local directorate and approval from the local authority, the necessary permissions can be granted. When a child travels abroad with their foster family, reporting and monitoring procedures apply, and related costs are determined. Funds allocated by the ministry are assigned to the provincial or district directorate overseeing the foster family and child.
Can a Foster Family Choose the Child?
Foster families can express preferences and have a say in selecting the child they wish to support. In practice, foster families often indicate the type of placement they can provide, and institutions guide them toward suitable matches.
By choosing a child you feel suited to support, you can open the door to a better life for that child and help them develop a healthier outlook. The institution helps by recommending children who are likely to be a good fit for your household.
What Benefits Do Foster Families Receive?
Foster families contribute to children’s lives by offering emotional support and a family environment, which significantly improves children’s well-being. The state provides financial and practical assistance to foster families for child care and development.
Some of the state-provided benefits for foster families include:
- Payment of school transportation fees for children in foster care,
- Funding for vocational training courses for children living with foster families,
- Access to counseling services from university departments or specialist professionals when needed for foster families and the children in their care.
These supports help provide better opportunities for both foster families and children.
How Long Does Foster Care Last?
Foster families work with the state to support children’s development and prepare them to become productive members of society. Generally, foster care covers the period from birth until the child reaches 18 years of age. Foster parents care for children who cannot live with their biological families for various reasons. The state provides assistance throughout the child’s care and development.
Foster parents take on a significant responsibility by supporting the child’s needs and emotional development. Learning the application requirements and procedures helps you provide better care for the children you support.
How Many Children Can a Foster Family Care For?
A foster family may care for up to three children at one time, provided placements are made in different timeframes or according to placement rules. If the children are siblings, authorities generally try to keep them together and apply different placement considerations. You receive additional payments for each child in your care according to the applicable procedures.
By following the procedures described, you can give hope to multiple children and support their physical and emotional development. The state provides extra compensation based on the number of children placed with your family.
How Should a Foster Parent Treat the Child?
As a foster parent, you should be mindful of the child’s past experiences. Many children in care have experienced difficult and traumatic events; you should approach these wounds gently and patiently. Providing the affection and stability the child lacked can help them grow into a happier, more positive person.
Use the services offered by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services to guide your approach. Participating in training and support programs strengthens the bond between you and the child and improves outcomes. Researching best practices for foster parenting will help you meet the child’s needs effectively.
Remember that every action and attitude affects the child’s long-term development. A warm, caring approach provides the best foundation for a hopeful future.
What Is the Difference Between Foster Care and Adoption?
Foster care supports a child’s development for a limited period while the child’s biological family retains legal custody. Foster parents share responsibility with the state for the child’s care, education, and development. Adoption, by contrast, transfers legal parental rights to the adoptive family, who then assume full, lifelong responsibility for the child.
Although both paths provide care and stability, the key difference is legal custody. Foster parents provide essential care and emotional support while the child’s legal guardianship usually remains with the biological family. In adoption, the adoptive parents obtain custody and full responsibility through legal procedures.
What Is KOREV?
KOREV has contributed to the development of thousands of children by providing support for their physical and emotional needs. What is KOREV? The KOREV organization was established to guide and inform families and communities about adoption and foster care.
KOREV works to protect the rights of children under state care and supports their growth in a healthy family environment. The organization offers training and legal, psychosocial, and social services for children and families. KOREV collaborates with public institutions and civil society to help shape policies and provide practical support.
Founded in 2005 by Prof. Dr. Neşe Erol, KOREV is a nonpartisan civil society organization dedicated to improving services for children and families. The organization assists children in need and helps coordinate support with state services, creating better conditions for both foster families and children.
In conclusion, this article provides clear answers to questions about foster family application requirements and the related procedures you may need to know.