Amman, July 28 (Petra) – Young people who have grown up in care homes those without family support face a unique set of emotional and social challenges. Yet, many of them are forging ahead on a path toward self-reliance, thanks to a structured process of support, rehabilitation, and empowerment led by public institutions and civil society partners working to integrate them fully into society.

The absence of a family structure often casts a long shadow over childhood. But as these individuals transition into adulthood, the government is working to ensure they are not left behind.

Programs offering post-care support now provide psychological counseling, vocational training, and educational opportunities aimed at helping them move steadily toward independent living. The approach reflects a shift from basic welfare to long-term empowerment, in line with directives from His Majesty King Abdullah II to promote social justice and support the most vulnerable.

The Ministry of Social Development told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that it is committed to providing a safety net for care home graduates as they leave institutional care. This includes financial support for completing education, access to training programs through agreements with the Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans and the Princess Taghrid Foundation, and direct ministry funding. Graduates can also receive startup grants for small projects, along with assistance in securing jobs through coordination with public and private sector partners and support for furnishing their future homes.

Additional services include nominating eligible cases for civil service employment and enrolling them in social counseling and guidance programs through the Princess Taghrid Foundation to improve job placement and social reintegration. Extra financial assistance is also available to strengthen their reintegration into the wider community.

For individuals whose parentage has not been legally established, the ministry clarified that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Sharia courts, in line with the Jordanian Constitution. Once a beneficiary reaches the age of 18, they are entitled to file a case in court, supported by the necessary evidence and documentation.

The ministry’s role is limited to facilitating access to information through its "Committee of Elders," which assesses requests and determines what family-related information can be disclosed without posing risks to the individual or others.

The ministry emphasized that strategic programs under its protective and social care framework have received direct attention from Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and have seen significant development in recent years.

In 2023, a total of 253 care home graduates benefited from these services, with that number rising to 358 in 2024 187 male and 171 female beneficiaries. So far this year, approximately 182 individuals 106 males and 76 females have received support.

In 2024 alone, four female graduates were provided housing through the Princess Taghrid Foundation, while dozens of others benefited from services offered by the Al-Aman Fund. This includes 76 beneficiaries in 2024 and an additional 40 in 2025. The ministry also reported that ten graduates were employed in the public sector this year, with ten more candidates nominated for similar positions.

As part of efforts to institutionalize post-care services, the ministry is currently developing a legal framework under Article 10 of the 2024 Social Development Law, which grants it authority to establish a dedicated system for follow-up care.

A multi-agency technical committee formed in June has already drafted the initial version of this framework, which is now under review by the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for final approval.

One of the most active civil society partners in this space is the Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans, established by Her Majesty Queen Rania to support orphans over the age of 18. The fund helps them pursue higher education at universities, community colleges, and vocational training centers, offering scholarships, living stipends, and capacity-building programs designed to equip them with essential life and work skills.

Nour Al Hammoud, the Fund’s Director General, noted that many of these young people face significant hurdles after leaving care, including limited access to education and vocational training, weak social support networks, and low digital and cyber safety literacy. These challenges are compounded by the evolving demands of the labor market, especially the growing need for digital competencies.

As a non-profit, the fund provides not only academic and living support but also psychosocial services that help these youth build a stable and independent future. Its programs also extend beyond care home graduates to orphans across Jordan facing financial hardship, with scholarships and self-development initiatives offered based on clear eligibility criteria.

Al Hammoud pointed to a recent initiative launched by the fund the "SIDE Competency Framework" which is tailored to help orphaned youth build personal, social, and digital skills. Grounded in global benchmarks like the 2030 Learning Framework but adapted to Jordan’s local context, the program aims to prepare these young adults for life after care and ease their integration into society.

Sociologist and development expert Dr. Salem Sari described care home graduates and others without family support as one of the most vulnerable groups in society requiring more than just traditional welfare services. What they need now, he said, are real development programs that foster critical thinking, practical skills, and self-confidence, enabling them to live independent, productive lives.

According to Sari, these programs must be part of a broader, integrated development system rooted in local culture and supported by effective legislation and strong partnerships between state institutions and civil society. Such an approach, he stressed, would help ensure meaningful social inclusion and a shift from dependency to active participation.

He also underlined the importance of early intervention starting from the initial stages of institutional care to gradually build the skills and independence of beneficiaries, while expanding their educational, professional, and social options in a way that’s inclusive, fair, and empowering.

Ultimately, the journey toward empowering Jordan’s orphans and care home graduates is a shared societal responsibility one that demands close coordination between government agencies and civil society. And while challenges remain, the growing emphasis on post-care services, training, and support is opening new doors for these young people to thrive, contribute, and claim their place in a more just and inclusive society.

//Petra// AA

28/07/2025 10:35:11