MALATE, Manila— Under  Philippine Republic Act 10165,  foster care is a planned temporary substitute parental care given to a child implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD MiMaRoPa intensifies its campaign to encourage more couples or individuals for foster parenting.  At present there are 44 licensed active foster parents in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan provinces providing care to 40 foster children.

Foster parents provide a full-time auxiliary care to abandoned, surrendered, neglected, orphaned, waiting for adoption, victims of abuse and with special needs children.

“Applicants for foster care must be of legal age, morally upright, physically and mentally capable and emotionally mature,” said Social Welfare Officer Priscilla Contreras.  Foster parents must have genuine interest, capacity and commitment in parenting and able to provide familial atmosphere for the child as required by the Department.

Meanwhile, a foster child is entitled to a cash subsidy from the DSWD. The said child is automatically a PhilHealth beneficiary and is entitled to health insurance benefits.  The foster parent may receive also cash subsidy depending on the assessment of the social worker.

A foster parent can only have a maximum of three foster children. Foster parents can avail additional tax exemption of Php25, 000 depending on the length of foster caring.

On the other hand, social workers conduct assessment to all applicants on foster care thru a home study before issuing a license. This is to have a detailed character background and to check their suitability to act as foster parents.

DSWD issues license to protect the foster family from any liabilities.

Interested applicants may visit the nearest Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices in their areas for complete information of foster care or they may call the DSWD regional and provincial offices listed below:

Ms. Priscilla Contreras 

1680, FT. Benitez St., Malate, Manila

(02) 336-8106 local 207

Ms. Miramelinda Lueterio

Capitol Complex, Brgy. Camilmil, Calapan City

Oriental Mindoro

(043) 286-2296

Ms. Severina Boongaling

M.H. Del Pilar, Brgy 07, San Jose

Occidental Mindoro

(043) 298-7487

Ms. Helen Alcoba

Provincial Capitol Compound, Boac

Marinduque

(042) 754-0015

Ms. Hazel Gaac

2nd F/ Servañez Bldg. Gen. Luna St., Liwayway

Odiongan, Romblon

(042) 567-5117

Ms. Lalaine Eustaquio

54 H. Mendoza St., Puerto Princesa City

Palawan

(048) 434-1083.###