Foster care can change lives for the better

On 31 May we celebrate World Foster Day – a day to raise awareness and educate people about the foster process and support foster families around the world.

The number of reported cases of child neglect and abuse in the Western Cape has continued to increase, driven by population growth, fragmentation of families, and harsh socio-economic conditions facing households. This has resulted in more children in need of protection and placement in alternative care.

Over 40 000 children are in foster care in the province, placed either with safety parents or foster parents. The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) monitors these cases through the innovative Foster Care Web-based Monitoring Tool.

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, recently met with foster parents in Cape Town who shared their incredible story. Two years ago, Ayesha* and Faadiel Ismail* became foster parents to Faadiel’s brother’s four young children. Their biological parents were battling with substance abuse. Last year the children’s baby brother joined the family, turning just one year old this month.

“Initially we were only going to foster two of the children, but when we saw them playing, we knew we had to keep them together. It was the best decision we could have made. When they first came to us, they couldn’t read or write as they were not in school. We got them into a school and now they are doing so well. We are very proud of them,” said Ayesha.

“These children have had a rough start in life. One of the boys was shot in gang crossfire when he was a baby, the older girl was burnt with hot water, and another boy was on treatment for tuberculosis when they first came to us. We want the best for them. We are not rich, but we have been able to make sure the children have what they need. We have been blessed to receive support from the community, their school, and the DSD social worker, Moeneeb Martin, who has walked this journey with us,” said Faadiel.

“This is an incredible story of hope. These kind-hearted individuals saw children in need of a safe and loving environment and opened their home to despite having three of their own children,” said Minister Fernandez.

“If you have a heart for helping a vulnerable child in need of a safe and caring home, please consider becoming a safety or foster parent. You have the power to change a life for the better. As Child Protection Month comes to an end, I also wish to remind people that every child has the right to be protected from abuse and neglect. Do your part in ensuring these rights are upheld, and report instances where you see abuse taking place,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

If you are a child or a parent who needs our help, or you’d like information on becoming a foster or safety parent, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office. You can also visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/children-and-families-programme

*Not their real names