Project Description and Objectives
- The project aims to develop a pool of "Ninong/Ninangs" (Godparents) who will serve as foster parents on weekends to children in DSWD institutions.
- It is a one-year pilot project in the National Capital Region, involving children aged 3 to 17.
- General objective: Provide children in institutional care an opportunity to experience family life temporarily.
- Specific objectives include public information dissemination, generating support for abandoned children, and developing a pool of foster parents.
Target Beneficiaries
- All abandoned and neglected children aged 3 to 17 in DSWD institutions in NCR are eligible, except:
- Children involved in pending court cases related to abuse, exploitation, or labor.
- Children under protective custody for similar reasons.
- Children with violent or emotionally disturbed behavior assessed by social workers.
- Consent of biological parents is required for dependent children.
Components of the Project
- Advocacy and Social Mobilization
- Development of informational materials (brochures, posters, decals).
- Partnership with ZNN Radio Veritas for regular media advocacy.
- Project Implementation
- Project launched on February 13, 1995.
- Eligibility to apply: Individuals or married couples aged 25+ with specific qualifications including genuine interest, capability with troubled children, good moral character, emotional maturity, and sufficient income.
- Application processed via interviews and home visits within five days.
- Regular forums conducted to orient and support ninongs/ninangs.
- Home studies prepared for applicants with recommendations for approval or disapproval.
- Matching process prioritizes child needs over applicant preference.
- Placement is temporary on weekends with clear responsibilities and documentation via out-on-pass slips.
- Separation handled by institution social workers with documentation of child's condition and emotional processing.
- Encouragement of rotating children among different ninongs/ninangs, with a limit of five children per foster family.
- Networking and Roles
- Collaboration among DSWD units and ZNN Radio Veritas ensures advocacy, technical assistance, and publicity.
- Specific responsibilities detailed for Bureau of Child and Youth Welfare, DSWD NCR, Public Affairs and Liaison Services, and ZNN Radio Veritas including preparation, evaluation, promotion, and administration.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Multiple levels of evaluation conducted: Clients, foster parents, and institution workers.
- Monitoring through assessments, reports, and site visits.
- Institution social workers monitor child and foster family progress.
- A reporting system established for narrative and statistical data to the Bureau monthly.
- Maintenance of a databank of approved ninongs/ninangs and children served.
The guidelines embody a holistic approach to ensure children in institutional care have temporary family experiences, thereby addressing their emotional and developmental needs while providing structured oversight and evaluation.