"Ministry of children and family affairs of the repulblic of Latvia has highlighted two main prioroties - promotion of domestic adoption for children who`s return to biological parents is not possible and development of foster care to ensure a possibility for children who have been removed from their homes to stay in family settings and environment instead of institutional care.
Development of foster care in Latvia as well as cooperation with association Buckner started in 2004. Up to this day Buckner is a significant and important partner in the development of this idea, a partner that has reacted professionaly to the changing needs of Latvia, first helping professionals and specialits of the field to acquire theoretical knowledge and understanding on foster care and at the present moment Buckner offers practical support (support groups, individual consultations with a social worker and psychologist, summer camps for foster families, various special events, reqruitment of new foster families and brand new shoes from SOS project) to families of Zemgale region ( one third of all Latvian foster families live in Zemgale region).
Thus Buckner today is one of the strongest and most important supporter of foster families of Zemgale region, where families can receive daily help and support and other professionals can attain work experience for their municipality".

Ainars Baštiks
Minister of Children and family affairs of the republic of Latvia

In many West countries, as well as in USA, practically there are no orphanages, and children without parent care live in small group houses or in foster care families. Just some years ago in Latvia there were only 15 foster families, now there are 300 foster families.

Foster family provides care till the moment when the child can go back to his biological family, if it is not possible, then this child is adopted or is under guardianship.

FOSTER CARE SUPPORT PROGRAM

Each year Buckner organizes foster care support group meetings for Zemgale region. In these groups foster parents have chance to talk about all the problems they have, ask questions to both psychologist and social worker.

If you are a foster family or you plan to be one and you have questions, you can call or write to our foster care consultant Juta Bumbiere and to our psychologist Dace Vaisla. Search for information in section contacts.

 
Finished projects

March 1, 2004 – in cooperation with Ministry of children and family affairs, city counsel and Buckner, specialists in Liepaja and Jurmala started to develop foster care program. There was organized international conference for orphanage directors, seminary and informative campaign in Latvia media. The project was closed in July 1, 2006.

February, 2006 - three-sided agreement was signed among Buckner, Ministry for children and family affairs of the republic of Latvia and family resource centre “Elizabete” on realization of project “Support for Zemgale region foster families in 2006”. The project goal was to establish new foster families and to support the existing families. Families received consultations of psychologist and social worker, as well as educational groups for parents and children. The project was closed in summer of 2007.