Question & AnswerQ&A (KKPP DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 09, S. 1995)
The main objective is to provide opportunities for children in DSWD institutions to experience family life on a temporary basis, specifically through weekend foster care by "Ninongs" or "Ninangs" (godparents).
All abandoned and neglected children aged 3 to 17 years old staying in the National Capital Region DSWD institutions such as RSCC, Lingap Center, and Nayon ng Kabataan, except those with pending court cases related to abuse or exploitation, those under protective custody for similar reasons, and children with violent or emotional behavioral problems as assessed by social workers.
Yes. Children excluded are those with pending litigation such as sexually or physically abused children, victims of pornography, pedophiles, prostitution, child labor, those under protective custody for these reasons, and children with violent or emotionally disturbed behavior who would not benefit from the project.
Applicants must be at least 25 years old, have a genuine interest in parenting a non-related child, capability in handling children with problems, healthy family relationships, good moral character and emotional maturity, good physical and mental health, and sufficient income to meet basic family needs.
Yes, both married couples and individuals aged 25 years and above may apply to be Ninong or Ninang.
Applicants must submit a filled application form to designated offices, after which DSWD-NCR social workers conduct interviews and home visits within five days. A homestudy is prepared and the Field Director approves or disapproves the application based on recommendations.
The social worker from the institution matches the child with a ninong/ninang based on the child's needs, while taking into consideration the ninong/ninang's preferences. The child's needs take priority in matching.
They must fetch and return the child to the institution on the agreed times, treat the child as a family member, be accountable for the child's safety and protection, especially during outings, and sign an out-on-pass slip outlining these responsibilities.
No, the placement is temporary, usually on weekends, either for a day or overnight from Saturday morning to Sunday evening, to let the child experience family life temporarily.
Upon return, social workers are available to receive the children and observe their physical and emotional state. The experiences are processed in sessions to help children explore their feelings for learning and emotional support.
The project is a collaboration among DSWD (including NCR offices, Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare, Public Affairs and Liaison Services), ZNN Radio Veritas, and other agencies for advocacy, screening, placement, and monitoring.
Article 68 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code states that assignment to a foster home is preferred over institutional care, and no child below nine years old shall be placed in an institution unless absolutely necessary.
Regular forums are conducted weekly every Friday at the DSWD-NCR office as orientation sessions and to address questions. These forums also serve as continuous education on topics like child rearing and parent effectiveness to support and increase the pool of foster parents.
Yes, approved ninongs/ninangs may take care of not more than five children during the period, depending on their capability.
The Bureau SWO III conducts monitoring and evaluation through visits and reports; institution social workers monitor progress of children and foster families; the Bureau compiles monthly reports for the Secretary of DSWD.