Consell searching for foster homes for young children

THERE are between 20 and 30 children between the ages of six and nine who are currently in shelters, but would do better in foster homes due to their young age. The Director of Child Protection and Family Services at the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) has revealed that the Consell is working on a campaign to find host families for these children under their guardianship.

They plan to find the families from among professionals working in the educational, social and health sectors. “We believe it is important that children are raised and grow up in a family environment rather than a residence,” he said.

Around 830 children are under the guardianship of the Consell de Mallorca.

Of these some 500 are with foster families and 330 are in education centers after their parents were unable provide them with the necessary care needed for adequate growth.

When possible children in foster care are placed with people they know and trust including uncles, cousins or grandparents; 351 of these children fall into this category, while 143 are in the care of others, according to Antonio Muñoz, Director of Child Protection and Family Services at the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS).

While 251 children reside in one of the 19 centers on the island, 80 live in one of the six centers run by the Consell which include Puig dels Bous, Can Mercadal, Son Bosch Llar is Pol, Lari, Lar Gibert and Lar Son Sa Pedra Viva.

By Nicole Hallett