Hungary faces a pressing shortage of foster families, leaving many newborns abandoned in hospitals for extended periods. Ilona Jenei, a foster mother, highlights the emotional toll on children due to a lack of interaction. With around 5,800 foster parents for 17,000 children, the gap is widening. Socioeconomic challenges exacerbate the issue, as most children in need come from impoverished backgrounds. Recent government measures to expedite adoptions have been criticized for not addressing the complexities of family ties.
Hungary’s Urgent Need for Foster Families
Each month, numerous newborns in Hungary are left in clinics, desperately seeking loving foster families. The stark reality is that there are not enough foster parents available, leading to heartbreaking situations where these infants may spend months in hospital care.
The Struggle of Foster Parents in Hungary
Ilona Jenei, a dedicated foster mother residing on the outskirts of Budapest, exemplifies the challenges faced by foster families. For the past four years, Jenei has opened her home to children in need, currently caring for three foster children in addition to her two adopted daughters. “I took these children in because they need a family, and I’m committed to providing that as long as they cannot return home or find a new family,” she shares.
Unfortunately, the number of foster families in Hungary is alarmingly low. Reports indicate that in hospitals, infants are left behind by mothers unable to care for them due to difficult life circumstances. Léna Szilvási from SOS Children’s Village Hungary highlights the surge in abandoned babies, noting that hundreds are reported each month. With approximately 5,800 foster parents caring for around 17,000 children, the gap is evident: “The number of children in the child protection system has risen sharply, but the number of foster parents has not kept pace,” Szilvási explains.
This shortage has serious implications, as some abandoned infants remain in hospitals for extended periods, often up to a year, despite being healthy. Jenei recalls a baby she fostered who spent the first three months in a hospital, exhibiting concerning signs of detachment: “It really showed no reaction anymore. Whether it was hungry or had a full diaper, it just lay there like a doll.” This lack of interaction can have lasting effects on these vulnerable children.
Hospital staff, overwhelmed by the demand, struggle to provide the necessary attention to these infants. Szilvási notes that nurses are frustrated, feeling that the current circumstances lead to neglect. “They can feed and care for the infants but often lack the time to engage with them beyond that,” she adds.
The socioeconomic landscape in Hungary plays a significant role in this crisis. According to Szilvási, a staggering 99 percent of children requiring placement in child protection facilities come from families living in extreme poverty. She criticizes the government’s failure to adequately support these families, suggesting that state funds are primarily benefiting middle-class households while neglecting the most vulnerable populations.
In response to the growing issue, the Hungarian government introduced a new law last summer allowing abandoned infants to be put up for adoption after six weeks if no family members visit. However, Szilvási argues that this approach is misguided: “Only 20 percent of the babies left in the hospital are not visited at all. In 80 percent of cases, parents wish to maintain contact and do not relinquish their children.” This highlights the complex emotional ties that remain, despite the circumstances.
While the Fidesz government claims to prioritize family welfare, it appears to have fallen short in addressing the needs of vulnerable families. The Ministry of the Interior has yet to provide a response to inquiries regarding the situation, leaving many questions unanswered.