A Hong Kong foster care shortage is leaving hundreds of vulnerable children without temporary homes, according to a local charity that is now calling for more families from diverse backgrounds to step forward.
The charity Mother’s Choice said on Saturday that 222 children are currently on the official waiting list for foster placement in Hong Kong. The group warned that demand for foster carers continues to rise, while the number of available homes remains too low to meet urgent needs.
Mother’s Choice works with young mothers aged between 12 and 25, as well as their children. The organisation also runs foster care support programmes, including Project Bridge, which matches children in need with temporary carers.
The charity said the shortage has created a growing backlog in the system. Many children who cannot stay with their families due to safety, health, or social issues are being placed on waiting lists for extended periods. This leaves them in temporary arrangements that may not provide stable long-term care.
To address the gap, Mother’s Choice is urging more households to consider becoming foster carers. The organisation is specifically encouraging participation from families with diverse backgrounds, arguing that fostering should not be limited to traditional family structures.
According to the charity, nearly 10 percent of foster carers in its Project Bridge programme are single carers. The rest are married couples or same-sex couples. The group says this shows that a wide range of household types can successfully provide safe and supportive environments for children.
The appeal reflects a broader effort to expand the foster care pool in Hong Kong, where demand has consistently exceeded supply. Social workers say the shortage puts pressure on child welfare services and increases the risk of children staying longer in institutional or temporary care settings.
Experts in child welfare note that stable foster placements are important for emotional development, education, and overall well-being. Children who move frequently between temporary arrangements may experience higher levels of stress and uncertainty, which can affect their long-term growth.
Mother’s Choice says it provides training and support for all approved foster carers. This includes guidance on child care, emotional support, and ongoing assistance during placements. The organisation emphasizes that foster carers are not expected to act alone, as professional teams remain involved throughout the process.
The charity also highlights that fostering is open to people from different social, cultural, and family backgrounds, as long as they meet safety and suitability requirements. It says this inclusivity is essential to expanding the number of available homes for children in need.
Hong Kong’s foster care system relies on community participation, and charities like Mother’s Choice play a key role in recruitment and support. However, despite ongoing campaigns, the number of children needing care continues to exceed available placements.
As a result, children may spend longer periods in temporary facilities while waiting for a foster home. Social workers say this can delay their ability to build stable relationships and adjust to normal family life.
The latest figures highlight the urgency of the situation. With 222 children still waiting, advocates are calling for faster recruitment of foster carers and more public awareness about the role individuals and families can play.
Mother’s Choice says it hopes to change public perceptions of fostering and encourage more people to consider it as a meaningful way to support children in need. The organisation believes that expanding eligibility and understanding around foster care could help reduce the current backlog.
For now, the charity continues to appeal for new carers as it works to provide stable homes for children who are still waiting for placement in Hong Kong’s foster care system.
