Foster care will bring hope to children at risk in the Azores, stresses Mónica Seidi - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, was present today at the public presentation of the campaign "Welcoming is Protecting: Foster Care in the Azores," held in Ponta Delgada. This initiative marks the beginning of the effective implementation of the foster care system in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

On that occasion, Mónica Seidi recalled that, about a year ago, the Regional Government of the Azores presented a proposal for a Regional Legislative Decree that was unanimously approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This process saw broad participation and placed the best interests of children at risk above any political or party differences.

Until 2025, the Autonomous Region of the Azores was the only region in the country where foster care was not in place. With the legislative process now complete, the Region is fully prepared to receive applications from families interested in participating in this promotion and protection measure.

The Regional Secretary also revealed that, to date, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA) has already received 20 requests for information and statements of interest from Azorean families, calling on more Azoreans to join this cause to give a more hopeful future to children in need.

“The Regional Government of the Azores is deeply committed to defending children’s rights, and it is our duty to act whenever they are in danger,” stated Mónica Seidi.

The government official stressed that foster care should be regarded as a strategic measure, fundamental to guaranteeing the right of all children to grow up in a family environment, depending on the joint efforts of the political, technical and social sectors. The aim is to ensure greater quality, stability and well-being in alternative care responses in the Region.

Mónica Seidi also pointed out that this measure will alleviate the current pressure on residential care, which currently supports 330 children, representing an annual investment of about nine million Euros. Recognising the importance and work carried out by residential facilities, the Regional Secretary considered that it is time for a paradigm shift, with more effective interventions in the emotional development of children.

The Regional Secretary also pointed out that several scientific studies show the negative effects of residential care in the early years of life, compared to foster care, reinforcing the importance of this new social response in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.