It is noteworthy to share that there are couples who have the heart to take care of children, who are not of their flesh and blood, but are treated as their own.
DSWD Field Office VIII, under the leadership of Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan, reported having licensed four foster families last year. They are in addition to the pool of 50 licensed couples developed by the agency in the region, over the past many years.

Eight of the said number of foster parents are inactive or without children currently under foster care, as they have now children permanently taken into their families by virtue of Adoption.

Though foster care service is a temporary placement for a child who is abused, abandoned, neglected or abused, this is a better arrangement rather than in an institution.

The Foster Care Act of 2012 supports the DSWD policy on de – institutionalization of children as foster care is more beneficial than the other. With foster care, there is parental care; hence, the institution always stands as the last resort.

Under the law, those who wish to become a foster parent must be: of legal age; at least sixteen (16) years older than the child unless the foster parent is a relative; must have a genuine interest, capacity and commitment in parenting and is able to provide a familial atmosphere for the child; must have a healthy and harmonious relationship with each family member living with him or her; of good moral character; physically and mentally capable and emotionally mature; have sufficient resources to be able to provide for the family’s needs; willing to further hone or be trained on knowledge, attitudes and skills in caring for a child; and must not already have the maximum number of children under his foster care at the time of application or award.#