Employed parents who foster children in state care will be entitled to special leave similar to maternity leave from next month, Family Development Minister Dr Aishath Shiham has said.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, Shiham said the measure aims to address challenges faced by families caring for young children placed under state custody.
The minister noted that the fostering process can be lengthy, discouraging some families. Those who foster infants, in particular, often struggle to balance work with caregiving responsibilities.
“Sometimes children taken into state custody are very young, often requiring hospital care for weeks. Foster parents have to remain with them during this period while also managing work,” she said.
To ease these challenges, the government has introduced temporary fostering arrangements and will now provide leave for foster parents, similar to maternity and paternity leave provided in the civil service.
Minister Shiham said the initiative follows discussions held under the guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, with the aim of strengthening family oriented care for children.
She added that time is essential for foster parents to build bonds with children, particularly those placed outside hospital settings.
The number of children placed in foster care has increased significantly, with 111 children handed over to families in the past two years.
The government’s policy is to prioritize placing children with families rather than in institutional care, allowing them to grow up in more stable and supportive environments.
