Cayetano cites need to strengthen foster parenting in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Pia Cayetano yesterday said there is a need to strengthen the foster parenting system in the country because of the increasing number of abandoned children being turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).                                                           

Over 100 children are being turned over to the DSWD every two months because their parents are either too poor to take care of them or are unprepared for parenthood.                     

The Senate committee on youth, children and family chaired by Cayetano has wrapped up its hearings on the proposed Foster Care Act of 2010 and has submitted its committee report for debates at the plenary.

Last Sunday, a newborn was left in the lavatory of a plane based in Bahrain. The baby, named George Francis, is now under the custody of the DSWD. The mother, found recently, is under inquest by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Two days, later, two fetuses were abandoned at the Manila Cathedral and Quiapo Church in Manila.

“The story of Baby George Francis reflects the growing problem of child abandonment and poverty in our country,” Cayetano said. “We hear news everyday about babies being abandoned in churches, garbage dumps and the streets. In many cases, parents are forced by extreme poverty to give up their child for adoption. There are also instances where young mothers who are unprepared for parenthood simply abandon their baby in the hospital after giving birth.”      

Under the foster care bill, an abandoned, neglected or orphaned minor may be placed under foster care if he does not have relatives who are willing and capable of taking care of him.

The child may be placed under foster care pending his reintegration to his biological family or placement with an adoptive family.  

Children who are victims of sexual or physical abuse, or those with development or physical disabilities may also be placed under foster care. 

Foster parents must pass the criteria set by the DSWD or any of its accredited foster care agencies. Foster parents must be of legal age, of good moral character, and capable of providing for the family’s needs.

It must also be established that the foster parents have a genuine interest, capacity and commitment to parent the foster child.

Foster parents who pass the screening by the DSWD would be issued a license, which is renewable every three years.

The child may also be adopted by the foster parent later on, subject to the same procedures and requirements under the country’s adoption laws.

The bill also seeks an initial amount of P25 million in the General Appropriations Act to fund the foster care program under the DSWD.

The bill also proposes incentives for foster parents, foster care agencies and donors to the program.