In its efforts to promote deeper understanding and appreciation on the alternative family care program, The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) will hold its first Regional Congress on Foster Care and Adoption with the theme “A family for every child.” This will be held on November 06, 2014 at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

The congress aims to strengthen partnerships between DSWD-NCR, child-placement agencies, local government units, hospitals, family courts, the academe and religious sector. Also, the said congress wants to instill positive perceptions about fostering or adopting a child by addressing issues and concerns related to alternative family care program.

According to Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan, the congress will be a great venue to educate members of the professional community on the process of adoption and foster care and sharing on foster care and adoption journey. “It will be a good opportunity to advocate the need for more foster and adoptive families to provide permanent homes to children,” she added.

Activities during the congress include sharing of testimonies from foster and adoptive families and children to inspire the participants about their journey in fostering or adopting a child. Moreover, there will be an awarding of checks for Foster Care subsidy to four licensed child placing agencies as provided for in Republic Act (RA) No. 10165 or the Foster Care Act of 2012.

As of September 2014, some 69 children are experiencing the joy and security of a caring family through foster care, while 47 licensed families are authorized to foster children in Metro Manila. Further, 171 children are looking forward to their placement families while 65 approved prospective adoptive couples are awaiting for their child. ###