A Milestone in Transforming Lives of Children: Foster Care Consortium Meeting in West Bengal
- 14 Jun, 2023
India, home to a staggering 444 million children, faces a critical challenge in providing proper care for those unable to be with their parents. Currently, 0.18 million children reside in institutional care due to parental incapacity or orphan-hood. It is crucial to acknowledge every child’s right to grow up in a family environment, as recognized by national and international laws.
To shift from institutional care to alternative care systems, a robust foster care program is essential, focusing on the child’s best interests and their right to family care. UNICEF, as part of UNSDG, has played a pivotal role in developing foster care guidelines and garnering state support. However, successful implementation remains elusive, jeopardizing the futures of countless children in institutional settings.
The Foster Care Consortium (FCC), initiated by LWB seeks to unite organizations involved in child protection and care, fostering agreement on shared principles and approaches. By doing so, the FCC aims to enhance the overall impact and sustainability of efforts in foster care. Additionally, the consortium undertakes collective advocacy to promote the cause of foster care. Its primary objective is to facilitate, advocate for, strengthen, and support foster care initiatives, while also establishing mechanisms to ensure compliance with established standards.
Recently, Love Without Boundaries (LWB) orchestrated a remarkable Foster Care Consortium meeting, igniting powerful discussions on child welfare. The FCC meeting witnessed the inspiring participation of ten organizations committed to child protection and care. Atghara Sanhati Kendra, Barasat Unnayan Prostuti, Panihati Endeavour, Gokulpur Seva Sadan, Praajak, Naba Sapan, Madhyamgram Srishtir Pathe, Offer, and NIR Ideal Home came together with a shared vision and unwavering dedication. This gathering of passionate change-makers represents a significant step towards securing a brighter future for vulnerable children in foster care. With each organization bringing their unique expertise and experience to the table, the FCC meeting promises to forge new pathways for collaborative advocacy, increased impact, and sustainable change in the realm of foster care.
In a world where every child deserves love, care, and a nurturing environment, Love Without Boundaries (LWB) took a significant step towards fostering change in West Bengal. With a mission to ensure the well-being of children, LWB organized a crucial discussion on foster care in the region.
The agenda was comprehensive, focusing on the government guidelines for foster care in West Bengal. The discussions aimed to shed light on the importance of family-based care for children, emphasizing the need for a Foster Care Consortium in North 24 Parganas.
LWB’s commitment to foster care extends beyond borders. Their efforts not only support foster care initiatives nationally but also internationally. By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, LWB strives to create a society where every child can thrive. Key topics included love-based foster care, neighbourhood involvement, legal aspects like the POCSO Act, and the need for pre and post-placement counselling. Participants stressed the importance of early placement, prioritizing the child’s best interests, and improving India’s foster care systems based on global practices. The discourse touched upon trained foster parents, communication techniques like sign language, and the indispensable role of social workers and NGOs. Questions regarding family capacity, available children, and the need for advocacy were also explored.
Distinguishing adoption from foster care, various foster care arrangements, and the support system for parents were vital areas of focus. This consortium meeting served as a platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering a brighter future for vulnerable children. This reminds us that love knows no boundaries, and every child deserves a chance to grow, flourish, and experience the warmth of a loving family.
The meeting, then lead to some crucial decisions that could shape the future of foster care in West Bengal. These decisions included planning future meetings, providing financial incentives to staff involved in identifying and screening foster parents, and LWB offering comprehensive support through materials, technical assistance, and capacity building. A significant target was set to establish foster care consortiums in every district of West Bengal, starting with North 24 Parganas. NGOs will play a vital role in raising awareness within their communities. Placements will prioritize love and care, considering factors such as academic background. Overall, this meeting was a milestone in promoting the significance of foster care, addressing legal aspects, and striving for an enhanced foster care system.
If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, we warmly invite you to embark on this transformative journey with us. By clicking the link below, let’s join forces and collaborate to create a change that truly counts. Together, we have the power to empower vulnerable children, providing them with the love, stability, and promising future they deserve within nurturing foster families.
