Approximately, 150 children between the ages of 4 and 17 were the beneficiaries.
In presenting the supplies, which included haversacks, water bottles, book covers, pencils, and pens, Rubis Retail Accounts Executive Rhonda Johnson said the initiative is one that seeks to meet the needs of the children by advancing their education.
“We at Rubis recognise the benefits and value of a sound education, we understand its transformative effect and transformative ability and we know that it is one of the mechanisms to catapult a person from their current social economic strata to another,” she added.
CCPA Deputy Director of Children Services Teresa Gaime expressed gratitude to Rubis for its kind gesture. She used the opportunity to advocate for further support from other agencies as a social obligation, noting that children in residential care who lack necessary parental support need assistance and attention. The CCPA cannot do it alone, Gaime posited.
To date, there are in excess of 800 abused and abandoned children cramped into 23 children’s homes predominantly in Regions Four and Six.
Alarming figure
This alarming figure can be reduced significantly if persons take up the mantle of becoming foster parents. The CCPA has started an early Foster Care Campaign, ahead of Foster Care Month in November. Since 2009, the agency has managed to place 150 children in foster homes, but the reality of 800 children in need of special care and attention still exists.
The process of becoming a foster parent is simple: fostering a child is not the same as adopting the child and as such, does not require any legal procedures. Potential foster parents are mandated to complete applications provided by the CCPA. In addition, a series of home studies and visits will be conducted, coupled with criminal and medical checks before appointments can be made by the director.
The director has the authority to approve or disapprove the application, based on findings. If approval is granted, the applicant will be placed on a foster care register. As persons take on the responsibility of being foster parents, the agency attaches case workers who will monitor the situation to ensure that challenges are overcome and children receive the care they require.
To aid in the development of children in foster care, the government through the Human Services Ministry provide parents with $18,000 per month.
Via [www.guyanatimesgy.com]
