WHAT IS THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES?

WHAT IS THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES? Unknown perhaps to some of us, the Philippines has a foster care system that provides temporary, family-based care for children in need. This system is distinct from institutional care facilities such as orphanages. It allows children to experience a home environment while awaiting reunification with their biological families or placement in a permanent adoptive home. Unlike adoption, foster care is not a permanent arrangement. Foster parents provide care for children for a limited time, ensuring they receive love, protection, and stability until a long-term solution is found. This system is especially important because not all children are comfortable living in institutional care settings. A home environment can better cater to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. How Does the Foster Care System Work? The foster care system in the Philippines is governed by Republic Act No. 10165, also known as the Foster Care Act of 2012. This law strengthens foster care as an alternative to institutional care, ensuring that children receive proper support and nurturing. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the primary agency responsible for implementing this system, alongside licensed child-placing agencies and local government units (LGUs). Foster parents undergo a screening process, which includes background checks, home visits, and training sessions. They are not paid for their service, but they do receive financial assistance from the government to help cover the costs of food, clothing, education, and medical care. This ensures that children in foster care receive adequate support while reducing the financial burden on foster families. The Role of Foster Parents The success of the foster care system heavily depends on the character and lifestyle of foster parents. They must provide not only a safe home but also an environment that promotes positive values and emotional well-being. Ideally, foster parents should be God-fearing and devout, regardless of their religion, as faith can provide a strong moral foundation for a child's upbringing. However, it is advisable that the religion of the child should align with that of the foster parents to avoid potential conflicts. To maintain transparency, the selection of foster parents must be free from corruption, considering the financial assistance involved. Is there an independent third party monitoring the system, aside from the DSWD? There should be, to ensure accountability and prevent abuses. Additionally, it is worth asking whether the entire system is subject to the auditing rules of the Commission on Audit (COA) to uphold financial integrity. Who Should Not Be Allowed to Foster? To avoid conflicts of interest, it would be wise to prohibit employees or members of law enforcement agencies, the DSWD, and the judicial system from becoming foster parents. Their direct involvement in the system could lead to biases or misuse of authority. Furthermore, regular medical checkups for foster children should be scheduled by the DSWD to ensure their physical well-being. Challenges and Areas for Improvement While the foster care system in the Philippines is a step in the right direction, there are still areas that require improvement. The number of foster families is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. More public awareness campaigns are needed to encourage qualified families to participate. Additionally, stronger monitoring mechanisms must be in place to prevent possible abuse and neglect within the system. Furthermore, a discussion is needed on whether children in conflict with the law (CICL) should be included in the foster care system. If integrated properly, restorative justice principles can help rehabilitate CICL within a family setting, reducing stigma and preventing recidivism. However, careful supervision must be ensured to protect both foster children and families. Conclusion The foster care system in the Philippines plays a vital role in providing temporary homes for children in need. While it has its strengths, improvements must be made in transparency, monitoring, and the selection of foster parents. With the right policies and implementation, the system can truly serve as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, guiding them towards a brighter and more secure future. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 05-03-2025