Croatian Foster Parents Share Their Stories of Dedication

For two decades, Danijela Grujić and her husband have opened their home in Karanac, Croatia, to children in need. They currently provide a loving environment for five foster children alongside their own three, caring for a total of eight children daily. Grujić's dedication was recently recognized with a special award for 20 years of fostering. She shared that their journey began with a desire to offer warmth and a home, and seeing the children's smiles and progress continues to motivate them.

Similarly, Marija Marijanović from Levanjska Varoš has made fostering a way of life. Over the years, she has cared for around thirty elderly individuals, many of whom have mobility issues. Marijanović stated that while she initially started fostering out of necessity, it has now become her lifestyle, and she finds fulfillment in caring for the elderly, currently looking after four individuals.

Social worker Leonarda Kul highlights that fostering is fundamentally a calling, attracting patient, diligent, and motivated individuals. These foster parents, she explains, are driven by a genuine desire to provide for their charges, going beyond mere compensation. Kul detailed the process for aspiring foster parents, which involves interviews, psychological testing, and education through the County Service, with ongoing support provided. The preparation of children, especially older ones, is also managed by the service, which supervises and supports the foster families.