Foster children in Iceland face challenges due to data management changes by National Registry

In recent months, foster children in Iceland have faced challenges due to changes in data management by the National Registry. Foster parents are no longer officially registered as guardians, with municipalities now assuming this responsibility. Consequently, foster parents lack access to essential online services, such as health and mentoring platforms, on behalf of the children they care for.

The head of the Foster Parents Association expressed concerns that these children are becoming “invisible” within the system, with no entity appearing willing to assume responsibility for the issue. Guðbjörg Gréta Steinsdóttir, a team leader at the Child and Family Agency, acknowledged the unfortunate situation, attributing the problem to multiple authorities and institutions, complicating efforts to find a solution.

Guðbjörg revealed that the agency has been working on resolving the situation for over a year-and-a-half without success but mentioned that a short-term solution is on the horizon. Among the steps being taken is collaboration with the National Registry to create a database that would allow foster parents access to digital services.

The system surrounding foster care is described as complex with responsibility distributed among various entities. The Child and Family Agency primarily aims to support foster parents and communicate their concerns to the relevant agencies.

The issue highlights a significant gap in support for this vulnerable community. Guðbjörg remarked on the troubling reality that such a sensitive group does not have access to vital digital resources, emphasizing the need to ensure that these children do not feel invisible in society.