POLOKWANE – SAVF’s senior social worker, Joyce Sadiki says they want to increase the number of possible foster parents and adoptive parents that are available for the children in need of care.
Review caught up with Sadiki during a foster care workshop which was hosted recently to share valuable information with prospective foster parents as well as those already in the system.
“We want to equip potential foster parents or adoptive parents with information regarding foster care placement and the Children’s Act. We want to prepare them in making the right decisions regarding becoming the foster parents,” Sadiki says.
She adds that prospective foster parents and adoptive parents have to be aware of their rights and responsibility towards the foster care placement, as well as what is expected from them.
“The protection of a child includes aspects such as protecting, preventing and responding to violence, exploitation and abuse against children. It is about keeping children safe from risks, recognising that children are vulnerable, reducing their vulnerability and to ensure that children have a security net to depend on.”
“Any person in a child’s life, such as a family member, friends of the family, neighbour, community or other professional, can report abuse or neglect. This can be done by phoning the social worker or visiting them at their office.”
The initial assessment is made to obtain basic and essential information in order to make an informed decision about the child’s current situation and assist in the identification of a relevant intervention plan that would be in the best interest of the child.
There are three placement options namely temporary safety care, parental care or adoption. Alternative care is when a child is placed in foster care or a child and youth care centre.
“Foster care is a statutory placement option after the presiding officer of the children’s court found that the child is in need of care. Only a court of law can issue a foster care order including foster care in a registered cluster foster care scheme. The purpose of foster care is to temporarily protect and nurture a child in need of care and protection by providing a safe and healthy environment, with positive support, until the child can be reunited with her or his family of origin.”
“Any person older than 18 years, who qualifies, can foster a child. You have to be willing and able to look after the child and be stable, matured, dependable and flexible. You should have the ability to advocate for children, be a team player with the child’s family or child welfare worker, be able to provide a favourable environment for the child’s growth and development and not have a criminal record. Your name should not appear on the Part B Register.”
Both the foster parents, biological parents and children have rights and responsibilities, she added.
Read more about the foster parent screening workshop in this week’s Polokwane Review.
