Foster Care Systems Worldwide: Challenges and Reforms for Safe and Nurturing Environment for Children

December 3, 2025

Foster Care Systems Worldwide: Challenges and Reforms for Safe and Nurturing Environment for Children

Barbara Coppedge | 2023

Abstract

Foster care is a dynamic and complex field requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and resources. The foster care system provides temporary shelter for children who cannot stay with their biological families because of abuse, neglect, or other circumstances. This five-chapter report examines the foster care systems in Bangladesh and Uganda, two developing countries with varying cultures and legal systems, seeking to promote awareness of the challenges of children in the foster care system, and advocate for appropriate models that support preservation and reunification.

Examining the underlying causes of foster care challenges across the two countries, which explores the legal and policy frameworks for child protection and foster care in Uganda and Bangladesh. The sheds of light on the assessment and placement processes in foster care a comprehensive model, “The Parental Bonding and Reunification Model” for promoting parental bonding and reunification is created. The sharing of my personal journey within the foster care system, I invite you along a transformative journey towards the future.

This report compares this model with existing initiatives of family reunification present in states such as Maryland and Virginia. This ten-stage family reunification model has various components. The stages explore background factors and children’s experiences, which involves a comprehensive assessment to identify the needs and challenges within the birth family.

The family healing plan, a step-by-step guide on preparing the home environment for the child’s return, including techniques for addressing challenges, such as rebuilding trust, trauma healing, and behavior management. Setting the basis for this reunification, parents and grandparents will learn strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment of trust and empathy.

Creating resources that support this reunification reflects on best practices adopted by Maryland. With a phased approach to the child’s gradual reintegration into the biological family, which suggests tips for nurturing strong family bonding throughout the foster care journey. With the need of ongoing research and evaluation to improve the effectiveness of the system within in the future.

Keywords: challenges, policy, reunification, bonding, placement

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