During the annual campaign, the importance of foster care and the commitment of numerous foster families to children, young people, and adults who cannot live at home temporarily is highlighted. The theme of the Week of Foster Care 2026 is ‘Shared Parenthood’. Foster care is indeed more than just temporary shelter; it is a collaboration between foster carers, parents, the child's network, and professional supervisors. Together, they ensure that a child can grow up in a warm and safe environment. Shared parenthood means strengthening each other, sharing care, and jointly seeking what is best for the child. This shared care is also central for foster guests, adults with disabilities and/or psychiatric issues.
The tandem therefore forms the symbol of this Week of Foster Care. On a tandem, you need each other to move forward. You must trust, coordinate, sometimes pedal a bit harder, and at other times give space to the other. Just like in foster care.
With this campaign, Foster Care Flanders not only expresses appreciation for existing foster families but also aims to inspire new prospective foster carers. There is still a need for people willing to open their hearts and homes to someone who could use extra support.
Anyone curious about whether foster care might be for them can visit www.pleegzorg.be. There, they can discover the different forms of foster care, read experiences from others, and register for an information session. The website also provides all information about screenings of the documentary ‘Mama, mag ik naar huis toe?’, in which six mothers share their stories about their child growing up in a foster family.
