(ANSA) - ROME, APRIL 22 - Foster care is an institution envisaged not only for heterosexual couples but also for singles and homosexuals, themselves single or in couples.
Yet singles, bachelors and homosexuals almost never manage to have a child in foster care.
This was discussed at the meeting "Affidofamiliare: what it is, who it is for, how it works" which took place in Rome organized by the Dì Gay Proyect of Rome in collaboration with M'ama dalla parte dei bambini, known as the MammeMatte Network, a group of social professionals and adoptive, foster, biological mothers who believe that every child has the right to grow up in a family, even if they are grown up, with a disability, or with a heavy past behind them.
Of the 187 children that the association has managed to place since 2017, only 4 have gone to singles and 2 to homosexual families, all, obviously, adequately trained.
"Foster care is that institution in which adults make themselves available with an open heart, it does not provide for possession; parenthood itself is not a right", said Imma Battaglia, historic leader of the Lgtb movement, who opened the meeting.
Also present were Eva Grimldi, actress and LGBTQI+ rights activist, and Anna Laura Annibali, president of Di'GayProject in Rome.
During the meeting two very young people told how they lived the transition from the family home in which they had lived for too many years and the foster family and a biological son explained how his approach was with the brothers entrusted to his family and who arrived when he was already a grown-up.
"We believe that every child, even those who are difficult to place because they are severely disabled, adolescents or who have suffered serious abuse, must have a foster or adoptive family", said Karin Falconi, vice president and co-founder of M'Ama.
And yet, while a few 'enlightened' courts also consider singles and gays, most do not.
Thus, although there are many educated people, many unmarried and homosexuals remain 'parked': the institutions discard them, overshadowing various reasons.
And too many minors remain in institutions for years.
Also present at the meeting was a homosexual couple.
"We have been together for 12 years - they said - and we want to reach the goal of having a foster child. We have been suggested by many to have a child with a surrogate uterus but while we do not blame those who make this choice, it seemed selfish to us. We do not let's give up on our dream".
(HANDLE).