Bridging policy gaps for service integration: foster care as a key component of child protection and public health in Albania

Purpose This study aims to bridge policy gaps in Albania’s foster care system by adopting a bottom-up approach that captures foster parents’ perspectives on the implementation of family-based alternative care. The study explores inconsistencies in the legal framework, bureaucratic procedures and limitations in human and financial resources of foster care, within the broader context of child protection, public health and deinstitutionalization reforms. Design/methodology/approach This research applies participatory research to engage in policy dialogue with the interested group and civil society organizations of the Draft Law on Family-Based Alternative Care. The instrument was a focus group discussion with seven non-relative certified foster parents, out of a total of nine certified foster families in Albania. Findings The foster family discussions are related to four main thematic areas: (1) pathways to permanence, (2) navigating legal and administrative barriers, (3) family support and reunification and (4) role of institutions. The findings reveal that without coherent implementation, the new law risks reproducing the fragmentation of foster care services and the child protection system in Albania. Social implications The findings highlight the need for greater political and societal attention to children without parental care in Albania. They also underline the importance of strengthening training and cooperation among foster families, biological families, and child welfare professionals to support the effective implementation of foster care services. Originality/value This research provides the first qualitative evidence from foster parents during the legitimating process in Albania, offering practical insights for policymakers on translating legal provisions into effective services for children. It might be a contribution to the international debates on strengthening family-based alternative care for children without parental care.