There are 57 children looking for foster carers in Malta.

As the island looks to bolster more awareness over fostering, as well as support for families who choose this unique path, the new figures shine a light on Malta’s fostering dynamics.

Currently, 266 children live with foster parents on the island. Over the last five years, an average of 30 children a year were placed into foster care, Children’s Rights Minister Michael Falzon said as he kicked off a new campaign hand in hand with the Foundation for Social Welfare.

He pointed to the state-funded foster care allowance given to families that choose to foster a child, with the amount given slowly decreasing over a period of four years, or until the child reaches the age of 21.

Families are also entitled to a refund of up to €1,000 for costs related to raising the child.

“We are committed to working even harder for this important sector,” Falzon said. “Let’s continue providing the correct environment, care and love for each boy and girl to give each of them a positive childhood.”

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