FEAR that their children will be taken away from them is holding back parents with problems from going to welfare authorities for help.
The concern is being fuelled by the current high rate of unemployment, resulting in the inability of many to financially care for their offspring, or seeking solace by resorting to alcohol or drugs.
They do not go for help, worried lest they be deemed unfit to be parents, or incapable of offering proper support.
But for the children, being in a more safe and secure environment is paramount – and that means the option of foster care or temporary safe care.
‘There are many reasons children have to be cared for away from their own homes for either long or short periods,’ said Richards Bay Family Care head, Lebogang Maribe.
‘Unfortunately, children are the ones who suffer most, due to neglect and so forth.
‘Divorce, depression or relationship issues also affect them negatively.
‘Therefore, since we are here to protect and nurture them, foster care and temporary safe care are best options.’
The SA Constitution states: ‘Every child has the right to family or parental care or appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment’.
‘Temporary safe care is when children are placed immediately after being removed from their biological parents who are being helped to sort out their problems,’ said Maribe.
‘We are not here to remove their children; we are here to help.
‘Foster care is a legal process, by which a family life is provided for children who cannot live with their own parents and can be of short- or long-term duration.
‘People who are interested in assisting a child in need of care and protection by providing a safe haven need to be ‘fit and proper’, which involves a screening process, interviews, home visits and police clearance.
‘Social workers provide support, monitor and supervise the placement.’
Parties interested in becoming foster parents can call Richards Bay Family Care on 035 7892640.
