Foster care can be defined as the act of rearing a child who is not your biological or adopted child. It involves providing for the daily needs and care of the child, creating a family environment that offers supervision, guidance, nurturing and discipline, in the same way as you would for your biological child.
Most Guyanese will know of or have been in a home, where taking care of a relative’s or neighbour’s child has taken place. This practice of choosing a substitute family to perform the functions of biological parents has been pursued in Guyana in an informal way for very many years.
In its formal implementation, the practice is known generally as FOSTER CARE.
The Childcare and Protection Agency utilises FOSTER CARE as one of its programmes for achieving the objective of providing a better quality of life for children who have been abandoned, orphaned, neglected or suffer other forms of abuse and are in need of a substitute family.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: What kind of child would need a Foster home?
A: One who is in need of care and/ protection so determined by the Childcare and Protection Agency.
Q: How long does a foster child stay with a foster parent?
A: Placement can be either short-term or long-term depending on the needs of the child and circumstances.
Q: Could we ever hope to adopt a foster child?
A: Yes, in certain circumstances. You should discuss this matter with a Child Protection Officer.
Q: What kind of persons would be suitable for Foster Parenting?
A: Persons who can commit themselves whole-heartedly.
• Are honest, accepting and flexible.
• Persons with or without parenting experience.
• Separated.
• Widowed.
• Persons in good health.
Q: Are foster children generally troubled children?
A: Yes, they are generally insecure about who they are, where they belong and why their parent/s cannot take care of them.
Q: Can a single woman foster a Child?
A: Yes
Q: Can a single man foster a child?
A: It is highly unusual for this to happen, but in exceptional circumstances, the Agency might consider this alternative.
Q: What are Foster Parents required to do?
A: They are required to:
• Provide adequate accommodation
• Share their time and affection with the child.
• Provide nutritious and adequate food and clothing.
• Attend to the child’s health.
• Attend to the child’s academic, moral and religious training.
• Respect the child’s feeling about his/ her biological family.
• Follow the guidelines of the Childcare and Protection Agency for foster families.
Q: Could I/we ever hope to foster a child?
A: Yes, provided you are willing to fill in an application form and agree to:
• A police check.
• A full medical report from a Medical Doctor recommended by the Childcare and Protection Agency and
• Give the names and addresses of two (2) referees.
• Home Study and Interview
Q: Is it right to specify what kind of child I want?
A: Personal preferences are respected, but cannot always be honoured. The aim of the programme is to fit the child in a home where his/ her needs can be met.
Q: Will the Child Protection Officer meddle in our lives if the child does not settle in readily?
A: The Child Protection Officer will try to find out what is troubling the child. Although the questions may seem personal, the intention is to help you find the most useful way of dealing with the problem which is bothering both you and the child.
Q: What else does the Child Protection Officer do?
A: The Child Protection Officer visits the foster home, counsels the child, looks at the child’s room, and offers guidance to foster parents in the rearing of the child.
Q: Will the child’s biological parents have to visit him/ her while the child is in my care?
A: Yes, but not necessarily at your home. Child Protection Officer will advise you on this. Please note, however, that foster children nearly always keep their ties with their biological parents, no matter how inadequate the parents are.
Q: Are Foster Parents given Training?
A: Yes, the Childcare and Protection Agency will organise training based on needs.
Q: How much money do Foster Parents receive?
A: A Monthly allowance is provided.
Q: How do I go about fostering a child?
A: By applying directly to the Childcare and Protection Agency or through the Child Protection Officer in your Region.
Ready to Apply?
* Talk to a Child Protection Officer at the Agency or in your Region and
* Fill in the Foster Care Application form
Your application will be assessed and you will be invited for an interview.
For further information please contact:
Childcare and Protection Agency
Ministry of Social Protection
7 Broad & Charles Streets, Charlestown
Georgetown
Tel: 227-4082
225-1257
Every child has the right to a family.
