Foster Care to Be Highlighted Feb. 9 to 15

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) will observe National Foster Care Recognition Week from February 9 to15, under the theme ‘Fostering a Spirit of Love’.

Public Relations and Communication Manager at the CPFSA, Kristen Laing, told JIS News that this annual observance is an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role of foster care, honour the dedication of existing foster parents, and recruit new families to open their hearts and homes to children in need.

The Week will kick off on Sunday, February 9, with regional church services across various congregations, including a highlight church service at Portmore Moravian Church in St. Catherine, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, February 10, a special webinar will be held for potential foster parents, providing them with the necessary information about fostering and addressing any questions they may have.

This online session will be hosted at the CPFSA Head Office, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The following day, Tuesday, February 11, CPFSA officers will engage directly with the public at town centres, highlighting the need for foster homes through promotional booths. In select towns, foster parents will share their experiences.

On Wednesday, February 12, each parish will host an engaging art and craft activity, where foster care children will create cards of appreciation for their foster parents.

These cards will be proudly displayed on a newly established ‘Wall of Love’ at each parish office, as a symbol of gratitude and connection.

The outreach initiatives continue on Thursday, February 13, with community walk-throughs where CPFSA officers will canvass neighbourhoods, actively seeking new foster parents and promoting the benefits of joining the foster care system.

On Friday, February 14, the CPFSA will launch a comprehensive media blitz, including television interviews and social media engagement to further educate the public about the foster care programme.

The Week’s activities will conclude with another church service on Saturday, February 15, at Dover Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Mary, starting at 11:00 a.m.

As a tribute to dedicated foster families, a Foster Care Recognition Ceremony will be held during the month of February to honour parents who have provided more than 10 years of unwavering service to children in care.

“Foster Care Week is more than just a series of events; it is a call to action for the community to embrace its responsibility towards vulnerable children and cultivate a spirit of love and empathy,” Ms. Laing said.

“One of our main focuses this week is to recruit new foster parents who are ready to make a difference in a child’s life. Every child deserves love, stability, and a place to call home. Becoming a foster parent is one of the most selfless and rewarding ways that persons can help to shape the future of Jamaica. It is more than a personal commitment; it is a civic duty that ensures every child has a chance to thrive and contribute to our nation’s growth,” she added.