828 minors have lived for over six years in foster homes

In Portugal, over 800 children and young people have been in foster care for six years or more, accounting for nearly 17% of those in care. The 2025 Annual Report indicates a slight decrease in long-term placements, with 828 minors in care for at least six years, down from 873 in 2024. The average stay in general foster care is 2.8 years, with varying durations among the 6,120 children in care. The most common reintegration plan remains returning to the nuclear family, while residential care still represents 92.5% of placements despite a 3.6% overall decrease in the number of children in care.