The annual campaign, focusing this year on the theme ‘shared parenthood’, aims to highlight the importance of foster care and the commitment of numerous foster families. Foster Care Flanders stresses that foster care is more than just temporary shelter; it is a collaboration between foster carers, parents, the child's network, and professional support staff. Together, they ensure a warm and safe environment for children who cannot live at home temporarily. This principle of shared parenthood also applies to foster guests, adults with disabilities, and/or psychiatric issues.
The symbol for this Foster Care Week is the tandem bicycle, illustrating the mutual dependence, trust, and need for coordination in foster care. Through this campaign, Foster Care Flanders not only expresses appreciation for existing foster families but also aims to inspire new potential foster carers to open their hearts and homes to those who need extra support.
More information on the various forms of foster care, experiences from others, and the opportunity to register for an information session can be found at www.pleegzorg.be. The website also features details about the documentary ‘Mama, mag ik naar huis toe?’, where six mothers share their stories about their child growing up in a foster family.
For specific information about foster care in Buggenhout, interested individuals can contact the Huis van het Kind (House of the Child).
