The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) recently conducted its Social Welfare and Development Forum for the first semester on “Aruga at Kalinga Para Sa Mga Bata sa Barangay: Alternative Parental Care for Children in Need of Special Protection,” held in Makati City.
DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan told the participants that the forum was very timely with the passage of RA 10165 or the Foster Care Act 2012 and an opportunity to encourage more foster parents to share their homes and provide love to children placed in child-caring institutions.
Thus, Atty. Melissa De Villa Gorospe of DSWD Legal Service discussed the salient features of RA 10165 or the Foster Care Act of 2012 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
During the forum, Bonoan shared that there are some 2,118 children who are currently placed in different child-caring institutions in Metro Manila and are awaiting for families who may provide them with alternative parental care.
Bonoan added that through its “Aruga at Kalinga para sa Mga Bata sa Barangay” project, the DSWD-NCR hopes to develop more foster care families so that more children will be able to experience love and care of a family.
She also encouraged the participants from child caring agencies, LGUs, NGOs, NGAs and media to contribute in the development of more foster families who will provide individual care to the thousands of children in institutions. Likewise, to develop adoptive families who will provide a permanent family to children who have been certified to be legally available for adoption.
A participant – Ms. Ella, a former bank executive who fostered a child from Missionaries of Charity and afflicted with cerebral palsy said, she fell in love with the child so she asked the nuns if she can share her home with the child.
“Fostering a child is a commitment and a 24/7 job. I know I can give him joy, love and a home. I do not expect him to reciprocate my love and I won’t regret loving a special child,” shared Ms. Ella.
There were also two foster children who came with their foster parents. Both parents and children shared their experiences in foster care.
Republic Act 10165 or the Foster Care Act of 2012 adheres to the policy of the State to provide every child who is neglected, abused, surrendered, dependent, abandoned, under sociocultural difficulties, or with special needs with an alternative family that will provide love and care as well as opportunities for growth and development. It was signed into law last June 2012. ###