Jerusalem, 27 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) — On the occasion of International Foster Care Day, which will be observed on May 31, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security Published up-to-date data on the foster care system in Israel. The data shows that in the past year, 442 new foster families joined across the country, even during a period characterized by uncertainty, security tensions, and Social and economic challenges.
Currently, 3,560 children and teenagers are placed in foster families in Israel. The average age of entry into foster care is 6.17 years, and 905 children and adults with disabilities are integrated into foster families.
The Ministry emphasized that foster families continue to serve as a stable anchor for children and youth who need a safe family framework. At the same time, the ministry is working to expand support for foster families, strengthen professional guidance, and update employment conditions and rates.
At the same time, the Ministry is promoting legislative measures and policy adjustments aimed at expanding the circle of families who will be able to join foster care, including removing age restrictions and relaxing the threshold conditions, with the desire to allow more families to contribute to this important national response.