Konya woman becomes second foster parent to provide sibling for disabled child

In Konya, Turkey, Esra Sarıcaoğlu has expanded her family by becoming a foster parent to a second child to ensure her first foster child does not grow up alone.

Sarıcaoğlu, a 46-year-old resident of the Ereğli district, originally became a foster mother nine years ago to Meryem, a child who lost her mother at birth. After Meryem was diagnosed with a mental disability, Sarıcaoğlu sought to provide her with a sibling connection. To fulfill this, she applied to the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and welcomed 3-year-old Berfin into her home last year.

Sarıcaoğlu expressed that the children have become integral to her life, stating, “It is as if we have never had a life without Meryem and Berfin.” She noted that while others were surprised by her decision to take in a second child, the experience has been mutually beneficial for her and the children.