The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the city of Mandaluyong last October 15, 2012, in the implementation of Aruga at Kalinga sa mga Bata sa Barangay (Foster Care in the Barangay) project.

In the signing of the MOA both parties agreed to be partner in ensuring the optimum growth and development of children in need of special protection.

Under the agreement, the DSWD will manage the implementation of the project for six months and coordinate with the LGU in the selection and identification of the target barangay.

It will also provide capability building activities to LGU social workers and foster parents and issue foster care license to eligible foster parents.

The LGU on the other hand shall enact local resolutions in support to the implementation and sustainability of the project by providing funds for its institutionalizations, conduct consultation meetings/advocate with the Association of Barangay Captains, identify the target barangay, recruit, develop foster parents, and endorse approved foster families to DSWD for issuance of license.

Provision of subsidies to foster parents and foster children is also stipulated in the MOA.

Ms. Mary Joy Cabiles of DSWD-NCR Adoption Resource and Referral Section explained that each foster parent caring for a child shall be given a minimum of P800 or a maximum of P1,500 per month during the stay of a child in their home.

The foster child will also be given monthly subsidy of P1,500 per month for the child’s needs such as milk, food, clothing, vitamins and school supplies (if in school) while under the care of the foster parent/s.

The Aruga at Kalinga sa mga Bata sa Barangay started its implementation in June 2004, aimed at establishing a pool of foster parents in the barangays.  These foster parents will take the responsibility in providing care and temporary shelter to children who were abandoned and neglected by their own families.