Foster Care is a temporary arrangement of custody or guardianship for children whose parents are currently unable to provide them with necessary care. It is a legal process which is currently regulated by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), in Jamaica.
The FTC Foster Care Programme models the Nairn Family Homes Foster Care Programme, which is based on an attachment-focused philosophy of care and treatment. One of the main challenges that children face while being raised in institutions is that they don’t have any meaningful attachment to the persons around them. Attachment plays a significant role in the development of a child’s brain and skills such as reasoning, problem-solving and self-regulation.
The attachment model suggests 5 ways in which attachment is developed:
- Acceptance – positive reactions to the child’s negative emotions and behaviours
- Invitation for closeness, belonging and significance
- Empathetic, redemptive, forgiving, loving, nurturing & encouraging care
- Absence of angry responses
- Open and easy positive responses
These parenting strategies allow children to develop trust and embrace their new family. This provides the basis for healing from emotional and psychological scars and settles them so that they can improve their academic performance.
You may visit any of the CPFSA offices and submit your application directly to them
- Be a Christian of sound moral character
- Be between the ages of 25 and 65
- Have a stable income
- Be financially able to meet the needs of the child
- Have a child-friendly home
- Have a clean police record
- Be able to obtain references
- Be in good enough health to raise a child
- Monthly parenting training
- Foster care stipend
- Free counselling for foster families
- Support group for foster parents
- Foster care resource library
- Support from our Social Worker
Donations can be made through our website or directly at our offices. To donate click here
FLM and the Government of Jamaica provide a monthly stipend to meet some of the basic needs of the children. However, our foster parents must be able to provide financially for them.
You can volunteer to become a Foster Care Ambassador or participate at an event. You can also offer your time and skills to assist with implementing planned projects. You may do so by completing the Volunteer form. One of our staff members will contact you within 5 business days.
