Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Carrole Guntley (second right), Director General in the Ministry of Industry and Tourism shares a joke with Allison Anderson (left), Chief Executive Officer of the Child Development Agency (CDA) and Public Defender, Howard Hamilton (second left). Looking on is Kenroy Staine, a former foster child of Ms. Guntley. The occasion was the launch of the CDA's Foster Care Recognition week, held yesterday at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
IN AN effort to provide a safe family haven for children who have become wards of the state, the Child Development Agency (CDA) yesterday launched its inaugural National Foster Care Recognition Week.
The aim of Foster Care Week, February 12-19, is to raise the profile of fostering as a positive care option to highlight the ongoing need for the recruitment and retention of appropriate foster family, and to acknowledge and recognise current foster families.
Speaking at the launch of Foster Care Recognition Week, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Allison Anderson, chief executive officer of the CDA, said foster care can play an unsung role within communities.
3,500 CHILDREN AVAILABLE
Currently, there are 1,200 children in foster care and 815 foster parents. Ms. Anderson said there are about 3,500 children who are available to be fostered.
In his remarks, Public Defender Howard Hamilton said the lack of proper parenting has resulted in the breakdown of values and attitudes, which has brought the nation into a state of lawlessness and indiscipline.
"If we wish to reverse that trend we have to start by reviewing proper parenting, and encourage persons who have not recognised the need and the role of responsibilities that proper parenting brings...," said Mr. Hamilton, who is also a patron of the Foster Care Week activities.
"I hereby call on the citizens of Jamaica to render support to children currently under the care of the state by considering foster care," said the proclamation by the Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, read by Mr. Hamilton.
Twenty-six year-old Kenroy Staine, a former foster child and graduate of the HEART Trust/NTA electrical engineer programme, also urged Jamaicans to foster a child in need of care.
CARE AND ASSISTANCE
"When you share your home with children who are in need of care and assistance, you give those children hope and opportunities and make them feel
special," he said.
He added: "I believe fostering saves life. It surely saved my life."
Some of the activities of Foster Care Recognition Week, which is being held under theme 'Open Your Heart and Home - Foster a Child Today', include an awards banquet, road show and the launch of the CDA's website.
