Take a child home for Christmas

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has extended the application deadline for its Take a Child Home for Christmas Programme to this Friday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m.

The programme, which began more than 10 years ago, allows persons to host a child or children from state care at their home for a day or longer period during the Yuletide season.

“As an agency, we believe that the best place for a child is in a nurturing familial environment. And so over the last couple of years, we have been heavily promoting our Foster Care and Family Re-integration programmes as these offer better outcomes for our children. Take a Child Home for Christmas is an offshoot of the Foster Care programme, providing an avenue in which our children’s holistic development is met while facilitating exposure and other growth opportunities for our children,” Rosalee Gage-Grey, CPFSA CEO explained.

The programme caters to children 3-18 years old, particularly those who do not have parents or guardians to take them home for the holidays and would otherwise be in the facility.

“So far, due to promotion in the media the response has been good, but we have had many persons calling in last week to say they needed more time. As a result, we are extending the deadline,” Gage-Grey said.

To participate, interested persons must be at least 25 years, and are required to have:

* completed application.

* 2 references from Justices of the Peace

* 2 passport-sized photographs

* a valid identification

Approval will be communicated within five working days following an interview, background check and home assessment.

For more information please contact the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, 48 Duke Street, Kingston at -876-948-2841-2 or any parish office.

Application forms may be downloaded at www.childprotection.gov.jm.

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