Minister Fernandez supports #WorldFosterDay campaign | Western Cape Government

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Minister Fernandez supports #WorldFosterDay campaign

1 June 2020

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, supports the #worldfosterday campaign which sheds light on, and raises awareness about children in foster care.

This year, World Foster Day is being observed on, 31 May 2020, and aims to advocate and empower individuals, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and government, to participate in this form of alternative care.

Minister Fernandez said: “Foster Care is hugely beneficial for society. It provides a safe and secure placement for a child who has been orphaned or who needs to be removed from an unsafe home environment into the care of a suitable family or person willing to be foster parents.”

“The positive effect that a healthy family environment has on a child and the clear advantages that this has for society as a whole. For this purpose, #worldfosterday aims to shine a light on foster care,” Minister Sharna Fernandez added.

For the 2019/20 financial year, it was reported that 1 619 children were placed in foster care (excluding regions information).

Furthermore, as of April 2020, 36 251 children were in foster care in the Western Cape.

To show support for #worldfosterday, the public is urged to do the following:

  1. Draw a smiley face on any three fingers, take a picture and share it on social media on 31 May 2020, and use the #worldfosterday
  2. Connect with and support a foster family on #worldfosterday or contact your closest Social Development office, or designated child protection organisation to find out how you can become either a safety or foster parent.

Safety parents act as temporary safe care placements for children who have been orphaned or legally removed from the care of their parents or caregivers. These vulnerable and at-risk children are placed in temporary care through the Children’s Court until alternative placement can be considered.

Foster Care parents, however, assume such responsibility for a period of up to two years at a time. Prospective safety and foster care parents are carefully screened to determine if they are suitable to care for children, and also receive training about the Children’s Act, as well as how to care for vulnerable children.

“I wish to thank all our Foster Parents. The guidance and support that you provide for our vulnerable children is greatly appreciated. As we support #WorldFosterDay let’s remember all of our children in need protection 365 days of the year, especially amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. To those who have heeded the call, we are beyond grateful for the safety and security you provide our beloved children, concluded Minister Fernandez.”

Any persons interested in finding out more information about becoming a safety parent or foster parent can make contact with our department by calling, 0800 220 220, to be directed to your nearest local DSD office.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development

Media Enquiries: 

Joshua Covenant Chigome

Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez

Tel: 021 483 9217

Email: Joshua.chigome@westerncape.gov.za­

Private Bag X9112, Cape Town, 8000

14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8001