Erzurum Students Promote 'Foster Family' Model Through Art

On June 30, 2026, coinciding with National Foster Family Day in Turkey, the city of Erzurum witnessed a cultural and social event organized by students from Atatürk University. Using the power of art, these students sought to increase community awareness regarding the 'Foster Family' system and emphasized the necessity of providing a warm and intimate environment for children under state care [1].

Art in Service of Social Responsibility The exhibition, held at the Erzurum Cultural Center, featured a collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic works, each telling a story of hope, shelter, and the bond between family members. Students from the Faculty of Fine Arts created works depicting the difference between living in care centers and a family environment, aiming to show the positive impact of a child's presence within a family unit [3]. This initiative demonstrated that art can function beyond aesthetics as a powerful tool for social change and awakening the collective conscience.

Importance of the Foster Family Model in Turkey The Foster Family model is recognized in Turkey as one of the most successful support policies of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. In this model, unlike permanent adoption, families take on the responsibility of caring for and raising children under government supervision. During the ceremony, local Erzurum officials noted that the goal of these programs is to encourage eligible families to open their homes to children who, for various reasons, have been deprived of the blessing of a family [2]. Statistics show that in recent years, the inclination of Erzurum citizens to participate in this scheme has increased significantly.

Support from Government and Academic Institutions This project, implemented in collaboration with Atatürk University and the Erzurum Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, was widely welcomed by the public and authorities. Speakers at the event emphasized that every child deserves to grow up in a family environment, and the students, with their keen insight, successfully portrayed this emotional need [1]. This exhibition is considered not only an artistic event but also a public call for empathy and social solidarity in Erzurum Province, which is expected to lead to an increase in applications for foster family roles.