BAGUIO CITY – Alternative Child Care is possible with foster families willing to take in children for planned temporary, substitute parent care, whose biological parents are temporarily or permanently unable to care for them due to several reasons.
Said reasons may be family dysfunction, medical and/or economic reasons, among others.
This was emphasized during the Adoption and Alternative Child Care forum, June 20, which was spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Liza Bulayungan, as supported by the local government unit and attached offices and agencies.
The forum is part of the celebration of the third week of June as Adoption and Alternative Child Care week, with the theme, “Hope and Home for Every Child.”
The topic on alternative child care as differentiated from adoption was discussed in detail by Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) Social Worker II Jane Quizzagan.
Quizzagan reported that there are 195 child placing and caring agencies nationwide, with 7,236 children being cared for.
The goal of foster care is to place Filipino children with licensed suitable foster families that will provide love, care and attention while being prepared for reunification, adoption or independent living, Quizzagan said.
Licensed foster parents in the region are 42; with Abra having 3; Apayao, 4; Benguet, 10; Ifugao, 2; Kalinga, 5; Mountain Province, 5; and Baguio, 13.
The benefits of foster care for children include safety and protection from abuse, nurturing and loving environment, stability, education, shelter, meals, access to medical care and an opportunity to end negative cycles.
The foster care process includes application, assessment, licensing, matching, placement, supervision and termination.
Qualifications of foster parents are: of legal age, with a 16-year gap between the parent and the foster child except for relatives, with good intentions and ability to care for the child, willing to attend support system processes, with good family relations, with good reputation in the community, no serious illness and with free and matured will and emotions.
Requirements include: a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issued birth certificate, marriage/divorce/nullity/legal separation documents, medical certificate issued within six months, attendance to foster care forum/orientation, income tax/certificate of employment/proof of income, NBI/Police clearance issued within the year of application, barangay certificate, photos of the applicant and three (3) character references.
There is no discrimination for foster parent applicants, as a single person, widow/er, member of the LGBTQIA community could apply and be licensed as a foster parent.
Parental authority includes keeping the child in company, giving them support, education, being good examples, and providing for upbringing in keeping with their means. Foster parents should provide love and affection, advice and counsel, companionship and understanding.
The parental authority prohibits the infliction of corporal punishment as it may be a ground for revocation of license and/or termination of placement authority.
Familiarization visits, pre-entrustment conference and home visits shall be done by the social worker on a monthly basis or more frequently as needed.
The foster parent is provided emotional support by the attending social worker.
The foster care is terminated if the child is reunited to birth parents, or placed for adoption, he/she turns 18 except if he/she is with disability.
Assistance is afforded a foster child, is a qualified Philhealth dependent of licensed parent, and augmentation support for emergency treatment and medication, and psychological evaluation for those five years old and above.
Foster parents on the other hand, are accorded appropriate training on childcare and development with support group. Recognition is given after a five-year dedicated service.
During the forum, other speakers delved on Domestic Administrative Adoption, Simulated Birth Rectification Act, and Civil Registration Document Processes.
Queries on legal adoption and Alternative Child/Foster Care are entertained at the RACCO office, 3rd floor, R.E.E.F. bldg., Military Cut-Off, Baguio City, or CP # 0961-196-2042. **jgfianza
