What financial support do foster parents receive in Kazakhstan?

The "National Adoption Agency" project has been operating since 2016, during which time 1,988 children have found new homes in 1,335 Kazakh families. In Almaty, over these years, 158 children have been welcomed into families.

Within the framework of the project, a School for Foster Parents operates.

"The National Adoption Agency is engaged in the professional training and support of foster families. We strive to ensure that every child without parental care gets a chance to live in a family," noted Farida Rahmetova during a briefing at the RSK venue.

Special attention is given to the implementation of a new format – professional foster families. A draft law has been developed to introduce the Institute of Professional Foster Families. It was signed by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in early 2025 and is now officially enshrined in the Code "On Marriage and Family."

Unlike traditional foster families, these parents undergo more in-depth training and operate on a professional basis. They receive state support, and their activities are regulated by new legislation.

Foster parents will need to undergo a rigorous selection process and diagnostic interviews to assess their motivation and readiness, followed by training at the School for Foster Parents.

"Every candidate for professional foster parents undergoes comprehensive diagnostics, psychological preparation, and training," said Laura Akataeva, head of the psychological service at the "Ana Üyі" foundation.

Financial support is provided for professional foster parents – 70 MRP for each parent and 10 MRP for the maintenance of a child. The guardianship authorities will conduct oversight, and parents must report every six months on the health and development of the children. Meanwhile, foundation specialists will continue their support, which includes legal, social, and psychological assistance.

"Over the past 12 years, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of children in orphanages – from 10,000 to 4,000. However, over the last five years, the number has remained unchanged. This is because most of the remaining orphans are teenagers, children with health issues, or siblings, for whom it is more difficult to find a traditional foster family," concluded Laura Akataeva.

Previously, Ombudsman Zakiyeva proposed a legislative ban on leaving children home alone.