Globally observed on 31 May, World Foster Day aims to raise awareness about the foster process and provide support to foster families worldwide.
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May is recognised as Child Protection Month.
Sharna Fernandez, the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, highlighted the increasing reported cases of child neglect and abuse in the province. She attributed this rise to factors like population growth, family fragmentation, and challenging socio-economic conditions. As a consequence, more children require protective measures and alternative care.
‘Over 40 000 children are in foster care in the province, placed either with safety parents or foster parents,’ Fernandez said.
‘The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) monitors these cases through the innovative Foster Care Web-based Monitoring Tool.’
Fernandez recently engaged with foster parents in Cape Town, including Ayesha and Faadiel Ismail, who took in Faadiel’s brother’s four children. The biological parents of these children were struggling with substance abuse. Additionally, the family welcomed their youngest member last year, who celebrated his first birthday this month.
‘Initially, we were only going to foster two of the children but when we saw them playing, we knew we had to keep them together. It was the best decision we could have made,’ Ayesha said.
‘When they first came to us, they couldn’t read or write as they were not in school. We got them into a school and now they are doing so well. We are very proud of them.’
She said the children had a rough start in life.
‘These children have had a rough start in life. One of the boys was shot in gang crossfire when he was a baby, the older girl was burnt with hot water, and another boy was on treatment for tuberculosis when they first came to us. We want the best for them,’ Ayesha said.
‘We are not rich, but we have been able to make sure the children have what they need. We have been blessed to receive support from the community, their school, and the DSD social worker, Moeneeb Martin, who has walked this journey with us.’
Fernandez commended the couple for providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children, despite already having three of their own.
‘If you have a heart for helping a vulnerable child in need of a safe and caring home, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent. You have the power to change a life for the better,’ Fernandez said.
‘As Child Protection Month comes to an end, I also wish to remind people that every child has the right to be protected from abuse and neglect. Do your part in ensuring these rights are upheld, and report instances where you see abuse taking place.’
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Picture: Natalya Zaritskaya / Unsplash