41 Children were placed under foster care in Eswatini in October
By Delisa Magagula
Close to 50 children under the age of 18 have been placed under foster care and guardianship across Eswatini this month, officials have revealed.
Deputy Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Marcelia Neves, said the department has been working closely with magistrates’ courts in Hhohho, Lubombo, and Shiselweni to facilitate the placements.
Of the 41 children officially placed under foster care this month, 15 were placed by Shiselweni Magistrate’s Court, nine in Hhohho, and 17 in Lubombo. All are minors under 18 years of age.
“Foster care is one of several alternative care options for children who cannot remain with their biological families. It is temporal rather than permanent and can be arranged on an emergency, medium-term, or long-term basis,” Neves explained.
She added that social workers are involved in compiling socio-economic reports before placements are finalised.
Foster care involves placing a child with a non-blood-related adult willing to take responsibility for their welfare. Families interested in fostering can approach the Department of Social Welfare to apply.
The National Foster Care Programme operates under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with Challenge Ministries and SOS Children’s Villages.
Neves said prospective foster parents receive quarterly training aimed at raising awareness on global and national trends in alternative care, building capacity among families, and strengthening understanding of child protection laws.
Training covers topics such as alternative care, the rights and responsibilities of children in foster care, government and partner roles, attachment issues, mental health, and reintegration of children back into their biological families.
After completing the training, participants are certified and vetted by the foster care committee. A court order issued through the Attorney General’s office then permits placement.
“The names of the foster parents and the child are published at the relevant magistrate’s courts so that anyone who wishes to contest the placement can come forward. If there are no objections, the foster care and guardianship placement proceeds,” Neves said.
She further mentioned that the October milestone highlights the continued efforts by Eswatini’s authorities and child protection organisations to ensure that children without family support are provided safe and nurturing environments.
