Limburg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Foster Care Limburg needs more foster families, especially for teens. Jana Bens says older children are often overlooked. An information event is set for Monday at La Reine Sucrée.
As VRT News reported, Foster Care Limburg is asking for more foster families, especially for older children and teenagers. Right now, 124 children are on the waiting list for a foster home in Limburg. Of those, 29 are over 10 years old. Foster Care Limburg says that many families prefer to take in younger children.
Foster Care Limburg warns that this age group is often overlooked, even though they deserve just as much care as younger children. They are calling on new families to open their homes and give teenagers a better future.
“People think that older children often carry a lot of baggage, much bigger than younger ones,”
says Jana Bens of Foster Care Limburg.
“But that’s certainly not always the case. We always ensure a good match with the family and also support the family in providing the best possible care for the child.”
What can families do for Limburg’s 124 waiting children?
Bens from Foster Care Limburg says many children in need are not on the waiting list. For children under 6, judges often choose foster care. These children are added to the list right away. But for older children, this happens less. Many teenagers are not registered. They do not get the help they need.
Bens says the real number is higher than 124. He mentioned that older children often stay hidden from the system. They miss the chance for a safe home. Foster Care Limburg asks families to help. Teenagers also need care, safety, and a place to grow.
Foster Care Limburg is holding an information evening next Monday, Aug 11, 2025, to find new foster families. Officials mentioned that many people want to help, but do not know what foster care means. This stops them from becoming foster parents. So far, 6 people have signed up. Foster Care Limburg says many families can give a safe and loving home to a child.
At the information evening, a foster parent will share their own story about what it is like to care for a child. The event will take place at cycling café La Reine Sucrée on Vijfeindestraat 102 in Houthalen-Helchteren. Foster Care Limburg invites anyone who is curious about foster care to come, even if they are not ready to decide. More information and how to sign up are available on their website.
Foster Care Limburg is part of the official foster care system in Flanders. The foster care system in Flanders was shaped in the 1980s and became official with a decree in 2001. This law gave clear rules for foster families and the children they care for.
Foster Care Limburg works with youth services and judges to find the best homes for children. Over the years, the need for foster families has grown, especially for older children. The group now holds events and gives support to help more families get involved.
