The Kendrapara Foster Parental Training Workshop

In the quiet town of Kendrapara, Odisha, on the 14th and 15th of October, 2023, a remarkable event unfolded, setting the stage for transformative change in the lives of vulnerable children. We at Love Without Boundaries (LWB) India, are dedicated to ensuring that every child’s potential, have orchestrated a Foster Parental Training Workshop that united 20 eager individuals from Kendrapara District. These individuals, the unsung heroes, were set on an inspiring journey to become foster parents, providing a haven for children who yearn for love, care, and a sense of belonging

The workshop’s opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the Project Officer of Non-Institutional Care from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). At this moment, he officially inaugurated the training, symbolizing the commitment and dedication of Kendrapara District to making foster care a reality for its most vulnerable children.

The heart of the workshop lay in the capable hands of a former member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) from Kendrapara District. These facilitators, with their extensive experience and wisdom, took the participants on a journey of enlightenment and transformation. The Director and staff of LWB added depth to the sessions by providing insights into the operation and services related to foster care, solidifying the collaborative nature of this important work.

The workshop was a comprehensive exploration of the intricate world of foster care. Over two days, the participants delved into a plethora of topics, including:

• Understanding Foster Care: What it is, why it’s essential, and its role in replacing institutional care with the warmth of family.
• Roles and Responsibilities: The core tenets that every foster parent should be well-versed in.
• Child-Centric Focus: Equipping foster parents with the knowledge of children’s rights, their needs, and the importance of individual care plans.
• Behaviour Management: Unravelling the complexities of child behaviour, and developing effective strategies for managing it.
• Nurturing Attachment: The profound impact of attachment on a child’s development and the different types of attachment.
• Education and Safety: Ensuring that children not only receive an education but also feel secure in their new homes.
• Support and Community: Building a robust support network, because no one should be alone in this journey.
• Life’s Challenges: Tackling issues such as grief, disruption, and the immense responsibilities that come with fostering.

The two days of training were marked by enthusiastic participation from all 20 parents. They engaged with the content, shared their stories, and posed thought-provoking questions, fostering a sense of camaraderie that symbolized their readiness to embrace this transformative role.

The Foster Parental Training Workshop stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts. Kendrapara District Office, along with Love Without Boundaries (LWB) India, has provided an incredible opportunity for these 20 individuals to make a profound difference in the lives of the children they will soon welcome into their homes.

By imparting knowledge, skills, and a newfound confidence, the workshop has equipped these parents to provide nurturing and supportive environments for the children in their care. It has ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of both the foster parents and the children they will soon embrace as their own.

In this beautiful act of selflessness and love, Kendrapara District and LWB are not just transforming lives; they are creating a brighter, more compassionate future where every child knows the warmth of a family’s embrace and the security of a loving home. The efforts of all stakeholders are commendable in promoting family-based care for children in need.

The Foster Parental Training Workshop may have ended, but the journey towards brighter futures for these children has only just begun. As we watch these parents embark on their foster care journey, we are reminded that love knows no bounds, and the human capacity for compassion and care is boundless. They are the living embodiment of hope and a brighter future for the children they’ll nurture. Together, they are shaping a better tomorrow, where love, support, and family provide the foundation for a brighter Odisha and a more compassionate world.