FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (FCAP), INC.

 

 FOSTER CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

An appeal for support on behalf of children who need family care ! 

 

 Feedback * FCAP Officers 2003-2004

Links

(Click here to go to some interesting foster care web sites)

 

 

The Foster Care Association of the Philippines (FCAP) Inc. is an organization composed of foster families, social workers, and other professionals from various child welfare agencies and institutions. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and duly recognized/endorsed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

BACKGROUND

In August 1995, the 3rd National Congress on Foster Care and Adoption was held. A significant item that was discussed during that gathering was the need for all parties involved in foster care to organize principally to help in the promotion of foster care in the country. Subsequently, the first nationwide gathering of foster care families, social workers and professionals was held in October 1995. It was during the said gathering that the FCAP was formally organized. By June 1996, after careful scrutiny by both the DSWD and the SEC, FCAP was finally registered as a non-stock, non-profit corporation.

MISSION- VISION

Our mission ...

In the spirit of love and sharing, we are committed to promote involvement in providing homeless children, temporary care within a family environment.

Our vision ...

We aspire to have a society where Filipinos volunteer to give family care to homeless children.

OBJECTIVES

1. To promote foster care programs in the Philippines through FCAP’s educational, counselling and advocacy program.

2. To assist the DSWD in the development and coordination of the Foster Care Program.

3. To develop and implement a feedback mechanism that will provide entities, institutions or persons involved in foster care valuable information for the improvement of fostering.

4. To advocate and provide support and assistance to its members (FCAP) to further enhance their capability as foster parents.

MEMBERSHIP

Aside from licensed foster families, social workers, and other professionals involved in foster care, any interested person, firm, partnership, corporation or association who qualifies and pay such membership may become members of the Association.

 There are four (4) types of members namely :

1. Regular member - any licensed foster family who pays the required membership fee, i.e. - P 2,000.00 for lifetime membership or -P 240.00 per year for annual membership.

2. Donor member - any person or entity who makes an unconditional and irrevocable donation in cash or valuable property worth at least -P 25,000.00 for individuals and -P 50,000.00 for corporations. A donor member shall be a permanent member of the Association.

3. Associate member - any person or institution including social workers, and professionals involved in foster care who have expressed the interest to provide any form of assistance or linkage with the Association may be conferred membership. Associate members shall be required to pay a membership fee of -P 1,500.00 for lifetime membership or an annual fee of -P 180.00.

4. Honorary member - any person or institution who has the capability and resources to promote the objectives of the Association may be invited to become an honorary member of the Association. Invitation for honorary membership shall be sent upon approval of the Board of Trustees.

 ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

The overall supervision and control functions of the Association is lodged on its Board of Trustees. It shall also promulgate all rules and regulations pertinent to the management of the Association . The Board of Trustees, by resolution adopted by a majority of its members may designate not more than five (5) of its members ( including an Executive Director ) to constitute an Executive Committee. During the intervals between meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee may exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees and the management of the business affairs of the Association as may be delegated by the Board.

NATURE OF ACTIVITIES

The Association aims to promote and encourage fostering activities in the community.

 o Organizational and Institutional Linkages Development

The Association shall make it a priority to pursue the development of a viable organization that will effectively address its concerns. Linkages will be established with various government and non-government organizations to ensure proper coordination of programs and activities.

 o Foster Care Promotion and Information Campaign

The Association shall endeavor to undertake on a continuing basis, forums, symposia, and regular information campaigns to promote foster care.

 o Advocacy

 Foster care administration is affected by child related legislation. It will be a major concern of the Association to be in the forefront of lobbying for or against any government policy or legislation taht will affect foster care in the country.

o Training, Technical Assistance and Support

The Association shall see to it that its members are kept abreast of the developments in the fields of fostering to help them improve themselves and acquire new techniques or skills for them to become better foster carers.

o Research

 The Association shall also provide extensive research on various fields that will contribute to a better understanding of foster care and other possible alternative care. It may also furnish all members with the updated research for their own personal consumption.

 SOURCE OF FUNDING

To finance the implementation of the activities of the Association, both domestic and foreign sources of funds shall be sought. Receipt from membership and other contributions, grants, and endorsements shall provide the main source of funding support for the operations of the Association. The Association shall pursue a program that will ensure a predictable source of funding to sustain its operations.