Child protection and family-based care: addressing implementation hurdles in foster care and adoption in Malaysia / Nadhilah A. Kadir and Siti Mahanisayu Marhaban

Family-based care is instrumental in providing children with safe, nurturing environments conducive to their emotional and psychological development. However, numerous obstacles hinder its smooth execution. This qualitative study investigates the challenges inherent in the implementation of family-based care, encompassing foster care and adoption, and their farreaching implications for child welfare in Malaysia. This research employs a qualitative approach that involves library research and content analysis. Primary data sources encompass statutes, international legal agreements, government publications, and classic literature. Secondary data sources encompass academic journals, conference papers, articles, relevant textbooks, and any materials related to family-based care, with a particular focus on foster care and adoption. Content analysis is utilized to extract insights from these sources. The research reveals that the legal and regulatory complexities of family-based care require robust legal frameworks to protect the rights and welfare of children and caregivers effectively. Social perceptions and misconceptions about foster care and adoption are also identified as formidable barriers, highlighting the importance of community awareness campaigns to dispel myths and foster acceptance. In addition, resource constraints emerge as a critical challenge, particularly in providing adequate training and support to caregivers. The study underscores the importance of holistic, collaborative efforts. Strengthening child protection systems requires concerted action from governments, non-governmental organisations, and communities. It calls for the development of robust legal frameworks, public awareness initiatives, and caregiver training programs. By addressing these complexities, societies can enhance their capacity to provide children with the loving, supportive homes they deserve. This study illuminates the multifaceted challenges surrounding family-based care, providing valuable insights for stakeholders committed to improving child welfare systems. It calls for a collective commitment to overcome these hurdles, ultimately promoting the rights and well-being of vulnerable children and ensuring they find their place in caring, stable families. There has not been much examination of the challenges that come with implementing family-based care via foster care and adoption and how these challenges impact child welfare. Even though foster care and adoption are essential for providing care and protection to children in need, it is crucial to closely examine the existing obstacles and intricacies in making them work.