Agenzija Appogg is appealing for more foster carers, for it to be able to offer a family environment to the children who, for one reason or another, cannot live with their natural family. To promote this message, the Agency is coordinating a campaign which includes adverts, information programmes on radio and TV, and distribution of posters in several public places, among other initiatives.

All children have the right for a family and to live in a family environment, and fostering is a successful way of offering a family environment to the child until the natural parents are able and prepared to take responsibility for their child once again, the agency said.

The family situations which may lead to fostering include parents’ death, familial crises, conflicts arising between parents, difficulties in parental capacity, illnesses, drug and/or alcohol abuse, imprisonment of parents and child abuse that includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, or neglect.

Through the foster care placement, these children would be provided with the opportunity to live within a family environment, where they can get the love and security they need. This opportunity can offer the stability much required by the children in order for them to be able to develop their abilities and character. Therefore, the benefits reaped from a fostering experience may turn out to be long-lasting, the agency added.

There are 149 children living in foster care in over 146 families. Persons interested in becoming foster carers are required to attend a pre-service training course. An assessment will follow, prior to the compilation of a home-study report which will be used to determine whether the applicants would be approved as foster carers. A team of qualified social workers provide monitoring, guidance and support to foster care families. The team’s agenda also includes the provision of ongoing training, education, and most importantly, support to foster carers.

Agenzija Appogg regularly organises training for prospective foster carers. Families and individuals interested in fostering are encouraged to call the Fostering Services of Agenzija Appogg on Supportline 179 or on tel. 2295-9000. Further information can be obtained from the website www.appogg.gov.mt. A copy of the application form can be downloaded from the fostering section of the website.