The Criminal Protection of Foster Children in the Jordanian Legislation

Jordanian society has grown concerned as the number of children with unknown parentage has gradually increased. It is important to note that when we refer to a foster child, we really mean a child whose parents are unknown and who is nurtured, raised, protected, and supported by an alternative family known as a foster family. These families have various commitments and responsibilities to uphold. For example, fosterers shall not give their family name to the foster child as a member of their natural family, placing him in endangerment, neglecting him, or abusing him. In the case that a child was a victim of such crimes, the legislator mandated that he have many guarantees, including being represented by the Public Prosecution office, quick decision of the crimes committed against him, and being transferred to a safe location. The current study aimed to shed light on the areas of criminal protection established in the Jordanian legislation, to show the extent of its adequacy and integration, and the success of the legislator in deciding adequate legal protection for the child in custody. The first chapter presented the concept of criminal protection for the foster child, its definition, and its reasons. The second topic dealt with the objective and procedural aspects of criminal protection for the foster child. Finally, the last chapter includes the results, conclusion, and recommendations.