cda.gov.jm Foster Care Service Jamaica : Child Development Agency
Organization : Child Development Agency
Facility : Foster Care Service
Country : Jamaica
Website : http://www.cda.gov.jm/foster-care/
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CDA Foster Care Service
** Many children in Jamaica face extremely difficult realities in their families and communities, often resulting in the government authorities removing them from the situation.
Related : Adoption Procedure Jamaica Child Development Agency : www.statusin.org/28803.html
** Foster care is a more desirable alternative to placing a child in a residential child care facility.
It is aimed at providing a safe family environment for children aged between zero to 18 years who have become wards of the State as a result of being abused, orphaned, abandoned, neglected or unable to be cared for by their parents, relatives or guardians.
** In contrast to residential care in which a child is placed in a government or private children’s home where facilities and care are communal, foster care allows a child to be placed within a loving family home environment where he or she can get individual attention.
It is a legal process that places a child in the care of a person or couple who are not the biological parents of the child to enable them to raise that child and provide a nurturing environment for his or her physical, spiritual and emotional growth and development.
** There are also many benefits to becoming a foster parent, not the least of which is providing the emotional satisfaction of being able to play a positive role in the life of a child.
What does it take to be a Foster Parent?
** Becoming a foster parent demands a high level of commitment to child-rearing. Foster parents are expected to treat a foster child with love, care, dignity and respect, as they would treat their biological children.
** Patience and understanding are critical attributes of a foster parent, as some foster children need special care and nurturing as they may bear psychological and emotional scars arising from the difficult circumstances from which they come.
Foster Parent
An adult of good moral and legal standing with a loving and caring disposition can become a foster parent. But there is a legal process which must be followed for a person to become a foster parent Applications can be made through the Children’s Officer in your parish.
The Children’s Officer is usually located in the regional offices of the Child Development Agency (CDA), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
Providing for a Child :
In keeping with the Child Care and Protection Act, legal guardians, parents and foster parents are required to provide food, clothing and shelter, as well as an education for children under their care.
It is also a violation of the Child Care and Protection Act for children to be sent out to do work to earn income. The law also makes it an offence to deny a child an education, food or shelter.
Responsibility of the State :
The government offers a monthly allowance towards the maintenance of each foster child, as well as fees for clothing, books, school fees and medical bills where necessary but it is expected that the foster parent will supplement this to meet the needs of the child.
FAQ
When/how does a child enter foster care?
Any child in the care of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) on a fit person order can be eligible for foster care, and may be released to the care of a person(s) capable of protecting the child and providing fully for his/her welfare.
How is foster care different from adoption?
The government or state retains parental rights and responsibility for a child in foster care. Adoption confers/passes on all parental rights and responsibilities a biological parent would have to the adoptive parents.
How can an adult foster/ How do you apply to the foster care programme?
Qualified adults can make an application to be a part of the programme by filling out the required forms and providing the data and documents required to any CPFSA office islandwide.
What do you need to qualify for the programme?
** A police record
** Be an adult of good moral character and legal standing
** Be between the ages of 25 and 65*
** Be gainfully employed with a stable, legitimate source of income
** Having suitable accommodation for a child