Substantial increase in number of families who choose to foster children

The number of fostered children since 2006 has gone up by 73 to 259 according to information tabled in parliament by Justice Minister Chris Said.

Replying to a parliamentary question raised by backbencher Jean Pierre Farrugia, Said said that the number of fostering families increased from 159 in 2006 to 228 families last year.

There has also been a substantial increase in the number of girls fostered. In 2006, only 82 girls were fostered, while in 2011 this number went up to 127. On the other hand, there were 104 boys being fostered in 2006, while in 2011 the number went up to 132.

A substantial difference between fostered boys and girls was registered in 2007, when 96 boys were fostered compared to the 77 fostered girls during the same year.

Replying to a separate question raised by PN MP Censu Galea, Said said that 251 children were currently being fostered, marking a decrease of eight children in four months.