BOTSWANA’S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM FACING CHALLENGES.

Article By: Phenyo Babusi

Botswana’s foster care system, meant to provide vulnerable children with a safe alternative to institutional care, is struggling to meet its goals.

In an exclusive interview with GABZ FM News, Social Welfare official Boemo Laba revealed that a shortage of trained foster parents and delays in placements often leave children stuck in temporary shelters for months.

Laba emphasized that rising cases of neglect and abuse call for urgent investment in family assessments, community support, and child-focused monitoring. She warned that without reform; the system may continue to cause harm rather than offer healing.