THERE are many young people and even grown-ups who can tell you about the neighbour/family friend who took them in and looked after them at a time when they needed support. Therefore a child being raised by someone who is not their relative is nothing strange in Guyana.Fostering a child however is somewhat different. The objective of Foster Care will always be to eventually re-integrate the foster child with his/her biological family: therefore, fostering consists of bonding with and caring for a child on a temporary basis.
Here are the answers to some questions that people usually ask about fostering.
IF I WANTED TO FOSTER A CHILD WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You could ring the foster care team (227-4082; 227-0138) at the Childcare and Protection Agency for information, or you can visit their office at Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown and speak to one of the officers from the foster care unit.
CAN SINGLE PEOPLE BECOME FOSTER PARENTS?
Yes, you don’t have to be married or have a partner and children to be a foster parent. However, checks will be carried out to make sure you are suitable and prepared for the job. Two of the things you will definitely need are a police clearance and a clean bill of health.
DO FOSTER CHILDREN NEED SPECIAL TREATMENT?
No, but every child is different. Some foster children may take a little time to blend in and bond with their foster parents, while others may bond immediately and settle down. Foster parents need to be aware of the background of the foster child so they can offer guidance and support if necessary. Kindness, patience and understanding are the key elements for successful fostering.
HOW LONG DO CHILDREN STAY IN FOSTER CARE?
Fostering is a temporary arrangement; the length of time and terms of the arrangement are usually discussed between the case worker (at the foster care unit) and foster parent beforehand. However, there have been cases where a child has remained in foster care for a longer (or shorter) time, than the initial six-month set period.
WHERE DO THE FOSTER CHILDREN COME FROM?
Foster children come mainly from children’s homes. In emergency cases, some children go straight into foster care (if foster parents are available) from difficult circumstances. Children who end up in care can come from any region in Guyana and they can be any age, sex, religion or race.
CAN I CHOOSE THE CHILD I WOULD LIKE TO FOSTER?
Potential foster parents do have some say in the kind of child they would like to foster. They have the chance to state their preference (age, gender, religion, and ethnicity) on their application form. Officers from the foster care unit usually do a good job at matching the right child to the right foster parents, however, the foster parents can decline a child and likewise a child (age permitting) has the right to say whether or not they wish to go with and stay with, the foster parents.
IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FOSTER PARENTS?
Yes, a sustenance allowance is paid every month to foster parents.
Having a foster child in your household can be a very rewarding experience for you, the foster child and your family. Helping to safeguard a child is giving that child a chance for a brighter future. Your input can go a long, long way; consider fostering a child today!
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com