Updated Foster Care Regulation: Expanded Protection for Orphans and Children Deprived of Family Care
As part of an urgent humanitarian response and broader reform path to strengthen the national social protection system, the Palestinian Council of Ministers approved a comprehensive amendment to Temporary Foster Care Regulation No. (4) of 2014 during its session held on June 10, 2025. The amendment aims to better protect orphaned children and those deprived of family care—particularly amid escalating crises in the Gaza Strip.
The decision is based on a legal memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Social Development and seeks to ensure a safe and stable alternative environment for children who have lost their families or cannot remain with their biological caregivers, in line with the best interest of the child.
Under the revised regulation, the Ministry of Social Development—through its General Directorate for Childhood—becomes the lead entity responsible for reviewing children’s cases and issuing professional recommendations on foster care placements. The ministry is also charged with monitoring the implementation of care decisions under strict standards that integrate psychological, social, and legal considerations. Additionally, the ministry chairs the specialized technical committee, which includes representatives from the Ministries of Health, Justice, and Interior, alongside the Public Prosecution and a designated judge.
The amendments introduce precise mechanisms governing the separation of children from their families or transfer between foster families, and impose restrictions prohibiting foster families from traveling abroad with the child without prior written consent from the ministry. They also establish clear care conditions, granting the ministry the authority to amend or revoke placements in the event of violations.
This regulatory update marks a pivotal moment in the development of Palestine’s legal framework for alternative care. It reflects the government’s firm commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable children by building a social protection system that guarantees dignity, safety, and stability in an increasingly complex and volatile context.
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MoSD Refers Three Female Beneficiaries with Disabilities to Residential Care in Hebron within an Integrated Protection System
Hebron – In a step reflecting the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of persons with disabilities and promoting their rights to care and protection, the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron Governorate announced the reception of three female beneficiaries with disabilities and their placement in residential care at the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, as part of a comprehensive support system ensuring them a dignified and safe life. This came as part of a joint intervention carried out by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in cooperation with the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation, based on direct instructions from H.E. Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, with the aim of providing integrated health, psychological, and social care for the beneficiaries within a specialized and supportive environment. H.E. Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad affirmed that the Ministry places great importance on strengthening strategic partnerships with specialized civil society institutions, considering them a key pillar in delivering high-quality and integrated services to the most vulnerable groups. She praised the distinguished humanitarian and professional role played by the Hebron Charitable Society for Rehabilitation in caring for persons with disabilities and providing them with the necessary support. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have been secured for the three beneficiaries, including health care, psychological support, and social rehabilitation programs, as explained by the Society’s President, Dr. Samih Dweik, who noted that the institution will continuously monitor the beneficiaries’ conditions and provide all services that help them achieve positive integration and independent living. This intervention falls within a continuing series of joint initiatives and interventions implemented by the Directorate of Social Development in Hebron in partnership with civil society organizations, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their access to specialized services guaranteed by law and humanitarian responsibility alike.
MoSD Visits Bethlehem and Stresses the Importance of Integrated Efforts to Serve Citizens Amid Current Challenges
Bethlehem – As part of the Ministry of Social Development’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with governorates and strengthening the social protection system across the country, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, conducted a field visit to Bethlehem Governorate. During the visit, she reviewed the conditions of citizens and the challenges they face, stressing the importance of intensifying coordination among government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure citizens’ needs are met amid the difficult circumstances affecting the region. The visit was attended by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, the Minister’s Advisor, Ms. Duaa Wadi, and the Director of the Women’s Department, Ms. Hiba Jibat, along with a ministry delegation. Dr. Hamad was received by the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dawood Al-Hamri, and the Director of the Directorate of Social Development in Bethlehem, Ms. Saeda Al-Atrash. During the visit, Dr. Samah Hamad praised the efforts of Bethlehem Governorate and civil society institutions in supporting citizens’ resilience, affirming that the Ministry will remain in continuous communication with all relevant parties to address issues and challenges faced by citizens as much as possible. She emphasized that limited resources require a high level of coordination and effective organization of efforts to ensure services reach those entitled to them in the best possible manner. She also highlighted the significant importance of the National Registry in improving targeting mechanisms and enhancing fairness in service delivery. Dr. Hamad pointed to the difficult situation faced by Bethlehem Governorate under the current challenges, stressing the need for integrated efforts between official institutions and the private sector to confront these conditions and mitigate their impact on citizens. She also addressed the situation of displaced and affected people in the northern West Bank, presenting the Ministry’s efforts in providing relief and support despite the challenges resulting from the withholding of clearance revenues, and commended the resilience of both the Palestinian government and people. For his part, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Mr. Taha Al-Irani, affirmed that the Ministry operates under an integrated vision with various partners to strengthen the social protection system, noting that field efforts focus on reaching the most vulnerable groups and delivering services efficiently and fairly, ensuring a more effective response to the growing challenges. At the conclusion of the visit, the Governor of Bethlehem, Major General Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, welcomed the Minister’s visit, commending the role of the Ministry of Social Development in supporting citizens’ resilience and stressing the importance of continued coordination among all parties to strengthen the social protection system and alleviate the suffering of the governorate’s residents.
