The Community of Madrid is seeking more households for the programme Un curso en familia. The aim is to provide children and young people under the care of the authorities with a place in a host family during the school year — usually from September to June. According to the Consejería de Familia, Juventud y Asuntos Sociales the application period for interested individuals and couples remains open.
The current call is aimed at minors aged 10 to 17 who are under the protection of the regional administration and are currently cared for in residential centres. The authority emphasises its approach of deinstitutionalisation: family life is intended to foster stable routines, emotional support and continuity in education. The Consejería’s quoted statements highlight that the programme enables children and young people to gain “experiences of family life” and broaden their social networks.
When selecting host families the administration says that practical criteria are taken into account to minimise disruption to existing daily routines. These include proximity to the school and previous place of residence, access to leisure activities and the minor’s circle of friends. Each case is assessed in consultation with the care facilities. Training and professional support for host households are planned.
The legal framework and procedures are described in the official documents of the Comunidad de Madrid and in the Boletín Oficial de la Comunidad de Madrid The body responsible for coordination is the Dirección General de Infancia, Familia y Fomento de la Natalidad. Interested people can find information there about requirements, procedures and contact points. The region publishes financial and organisational details on an ongoing basis through its information channels.
The regional government sees Un curso en familia as serving two aims: stabilising the circumstances of individual children in care in the short term and increasing the chance of lasting bonds in the long term. According to the administration, temporary placements may in some cases lead to a permanent placement. Statements on specific places, deadlines or subsidy rates are reserved for official announcements.
Organisations and networks working in family fostering support the programme’s implementation. For example, Familias para la Acogida provides information about the programme’s content and procedures and supports interested households with their questions. Madrid is thus relying on a model that prioritises integration into everyday life and replaces institutional care where professionally appropriate.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).