HUNGARY
Developing a robust foster care system
In order to safeguard children’s rights, the recruitment, training,
monitoring of foster parents, as well as the placement of children,
is carried out within the context of the national child protection
system according to national standards and formal procedures.
Support and specialised training for foster parents
In addition to compulsory induction training, foster parents receive
regular support, counselling and supervision by SOS Children’s
Villages staff throughout their service. Foster parents receive spe-
cialised training in addressing the specific needs of unaccompanied
and separated children that covers intercultural aspects. Foster
parents also have access to psychological support and advice.
Engagement of biological families
Communication with parents seeks their support in persuading
children not to put themselves at risk of abuse and exploitation by
working irregularly or by trying to leave the country with the help
of smugglers. Parents are urged to encourage their children to seek
legal channels either to settle in Hungary or to reunite with their
family in another European country.
Work with biological parents requires intensive effort: biological
families need to be systematically informed on the situation of the
child, the applicable European and national legal requirements and
the risks of violence, abuse, exploitation and human trafficking,
so that they can support children in making safe decisions and set
realistic goals.
The staff help children to establish and maintain communication
with their parents and family members and seek to engage the
biological family in all important decisions affecting the child. SOS
Children’s Villages staff also plans to facilitate communication
between foster parents and biological families.
The national legal and policy framework deprives some
children of their rights
Despite the project’s efforts to promote children’s rights and equity
of care, the national law excludes unaccompanied and separated
children over the age of 14 from care entitlements and place them
in detention in transit zones. Because of this, they are forced to stay
in prison-like conditions and have no access to education and other
essential services.
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