111 Foster Families Supported 141 Children, Over 60% of Foster Parents Aged Under 50, Calling for Stronger Community Support Networks
(Hong Kong, 30 May 2026) As Hong Kong’s foster care service entered its 45th year, the sector continues to face an ongoing shortage of foster families and an ageing foster parent population in recent years. As of May this year, 222 children were still waiting for foster homes. Over the past decade, Mother’s Choice’s self-financed foster care programme, Project Bridge, has recruited 111 foster families and cared for 141 children. Nearly 80% of children in the project found permanent families during their time in care. Among Project Bridge foster parents, 64% are aged under 50, compared to 19.1% in the Government-subvented ordinary foster care service, bringing younger families into Hong Kong’s wider foster care landscape.
In recognition of Foster Care Awareness Month in May, Mother’s Choice launched the campaign ‘A Loving Home for Every Child, Now and Forever’ to raise awareness of foster care services. The organisation also held its ‘Celebrating Milestones in Foster Care’ event today, featuring panel discussions and exhibitions exploring the future needs and development of foster care services in Hong Kong. The event brought together close to 100 foster parents and representatives from the social welfare, business, religious and education sectors.
Mother’s Choice first joined the ordinary foster care service in 1993. In 2016, the organisation launched Project Bridge, focusing on children aged 0 to 6, integrating early intervention and community-based support. Unlike the ordinary foster care service, Project Bridge does not provide foster parents with financial incentives. Instead, the programme adopts a more flexible participation model and supports families through community networks to help ease caregiving pressures.
Sky Siu, CEO of Mother’s Choice, said: “Project Bridge was built on the belief in ‘model small, influence big’, complementing the ordinary foster care service while helping more families see fostering as something they can take part in. By introducing foster care to a wider variety of families and strengthening a broader community of care, Project Bridge brings new possibilities to Hong Kong’s foster care landscape. Meanwhile, we are encouraged by the Government’s continued improvements in the ordinary foster care service and will keep building partnerships across sectors so more foster families are supported by the community. Everyone has a role to play in building a foster-friendly society.”
For years, Mother’s Choice has partnered with 12 churches, 14 schools and 12 companies to support foster care services through foster parent recruitment, volunteer support and in-kind donations. Bradbury School started supporting Mother’s Choice foster care services this year. During the panel discussion, its Principal, Kate Gower, said: “Becoming a foster parent is not the only way to support vulnerable children. Through different community initiatives, we support foster families and encourage the wider community to walk alongside them. This year, we’ve already reached over 50 people through foster care info sessions held with Mother’s Choice and two schools. Students also stepped up to organise a donation drive collecting much-needed baby items to support these families.”
Foster parents, Sam and Carol, joined Project Bridge in 2017 and later took part in the ordinary foster care service in 2020. They have cared for 10 children. They shared: “Being a foster parent is not easy. Every child comes with different experiences and needs. The journey can be stressful, and saying goodbye is never easy. But with the support of our parents, relatives, friends and the Mother’s Choice team, it has brought us joy and strength. Whatever challenges we face, we know we are not facing them alone.”
Foster parent Jackie, who is single, joined Project Bridge in 2017 and became an emergency foster care family under the ordinary foster care service in 2023. She has cared for 20 children. She said: “Many people misunderstand that only married couples can become foster parents. In fact, marital status is not the determining factor. What matters more is the ability and heart to care for a child. With a proper care plan, together with support from family, friends and the community, we can all offer a safe and stable home to children in need.”
Mother’s Choice also announced the launch of a foster care resource pack to help the public better understand and support foster families. A foster care information session will be held on 26 June 2026. Details are available at: https://www.tfaforms.com/446833. Individuals and organisations interested in learning more about foster care services or supporting foster families may contact +852 2313 5648.