The new support scheme helps to build and renovate family homes in accordance with the requirements of the Child Protection Act in order to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment.

The state offers support to local governments and related organizations for the establishment or reconstruction of family homes for the provision of alternative care services. The total amount of support is 3.57 million euros, of which 70% comes from the European Regional Development Fund, 3.2% from the state budget and 26.8% comes as self-financing by the applicant. The maximum support limit for one application is 522,857.20 euros to ensure the creation or reconstruction of at least one family or alternative home for six people. Applications can be submitted until September 11, 2025.

The support targets the creation of family homes in places accessible to public services. The building must be energy-efficient, environmentally and disability-friendly, and meet health protection and accessibility requirements. The aim is to expand the direction of deinstitutionalization – to bring children out of large institutions and provide a supportive living environment within a family.

Specialists in the field emphasize that children should preferably be placed in foster or guardianship families, not in foster homes. According to Triin Rajang of Tallinn Children's Home: “A child's natural growth and development environment is the family. Therefore, when finding the opportunity for family-based foster care, it must always come first…”

Rajang highlighted the problem – the shortage of foster families: “Unfortunately, there are not yet enough foster families in Estonia for all children separated from their families to end up in a caring foster family as the first choice.”

Research and legislation show the need to improve the conditions of foster homes. The report of the Chancellor of Justice finds that a family-like environment is not guaranteed in many foster homes – caregivers change frequently and the number of children in one group exceeds the required limits. Such conditions can harm children's sense of security and social development.

Thus, the grant essentially contributes to making foster homes truly homes – accessible, child-centred and sustainable, not just temporary accommodation. The application also assesses geographical accessibility – access to public transport, schools and healthcare.

In summary: the grant scheme is a step towards more social and child-centred foster care. The credo is clear: family first, quality foster homes then. Applicants must structure their projects in such a way that every child can grow up in a safe, local family-like living environment.