“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center celebrates World Foster Day again this year.
World Foster Day and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC, 1989) demonstrate the provision of family care to all children as of highest importance. Foster care is defined as a form of alternative family care for children and adolescents who are, temporarily, removed from their biological family after court’s order. According to National Law, the Director of Social Welfare Services undertakes legal guardianship for these children and decides their placement in a more appropriate environment.
Many children enter foster care with little to no belongings and have suffered the effects of abuse, poverty, neglect, or even the death of their loved ones. Therefore, World Foster Day is a reminder of the importance of this institution in the Cypriot society. Hope For Children's timeless position is that all children should live in a family environment rather than in institutions.
“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center, in cooperation with the Social Welfare Services (SWS) is implementing the Foster Families programme funded by the Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance. In 2019, the Organisation supported more than 130 foster families and conducted evaluations of those interested in close collaboration with the Social Welfare Officers. At the same time, Hope For Children provided specialised trainings with the aim to empower and enrich the knowledge of all foster families to be able to take care of the children placed in their family. The placement needs are increased while at the same time there is a nationwide shortage of foster parents that is an obstacle for the rehabilitation of children in need.
“Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center organizes public awareness activities to promote this institution. For more information regarding the Foster Families Programme, please contact us at 1466 (24-hour response).
We invite you to celebrate World Foster Day with us, spread the word about the institution and honor all foster families in Cyprus. We encourage you to follow the steps below:
Draw three smiley faces on the tips of three fingers
Take a picture of your smiley faces
Share it on social media using #worldfosterday and #hopeforchildren