Teen girls better with foster families than shelters

DAMMAM: Orphaned teenage girls are provided better love and care with foster families than in government shelters, according to a student researcher from Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS).
Maha Mohammed Al-Owaini, a master’s student at NAUSS, said: “Girls who are given care and protection by foster families do not suffer from any psychological or social problems, compared to those living in institutions and shelters.”
The researcher conducted her study on 50 adolescents living in Ministry of Social Affairs institutions and 35 with families in Riyadh. The study recommended that there should be further health, psychological, vocational, educational and social rehabilitation provided for these young people.
According to the latest statistics issued by the ministry, about 200 beneficiaries live in 17 government shelters for females. These institutions provide health care, education and religious training. There are also programs for juvenile delinquents who are detained, under investigation or facing trial.