On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič attended a session of the Committee on Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Disability (Committee), where the main points of discussion were the issues and shortcomings of the Slovenian foster care system.
The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia has been drawing attention to systemic shortcomings in the foster care system for several years. Children who, for various reasons, cannot live with their birth families must be given the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive, and family environment. “Although foster care is the preferred form of alternative childcare in Slovenia, we still face a shortage of foster families, especially those willing to care for children with special needs, older children, or those with multiple emotional or psychological challenges. Foster carers are crucial to the successful development of a child in care; however, there are often not enough people prepared to take on this responsibility,” said Deputy Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič.
He also added that organised campaigns, educational programmes, and media coverage could help raise awareness of the importance and beneficial aspects of foster care for children. This could encourage more individuals to take on this important responsibility. “In order for foster families to more readily welcome children and provide them with appropriate care, they must have access to comprehensive and regular training. It is also essential that they have ongoing psychological support and professional counselling available,” the Deputy Ombudsman pointed out.
The Human Rights Ombudsman finds that procedures such as placing children in foster care or deciding on maintaining contact with their biological parents take too long, which is detrimental to the child’s best interests. For this reason, the Ombudsman calls for swifter decision-making and improved efficiency at social work centres (CSD), where the child’s best interests should always be placed at the centre of every decision.
“Every child has the right to grow up in an environment that provides safety, a sense of belonging, and stability. Foster care plays a crucial role in this, and as a society, we must do more to ensure that the foster care system in Slovenia truly works. Cooperation between social work centres, foster families, and birth parents must be improved. The Ombudsman will continue to closely monitor the field of foster care and persist in advocating for systemic changes,” Dr Ruparčič emphasised at the committee session.
