A foster parent is a person who is willing and able to provide a stable, secure, and loving temporary family home for a child. The following criteria are to be used as a guide in determining the eligibility and suitability of prospective foster parents:
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT (CHILDREN’S AMENDMENT ACT)
AGE
- At least 21 years old
- Relative who is at least 18 years old may be a foster parent to the child
- High moral character and proven integrity (Children’s Amendment Act)
MARITAL STATUS
- Unmarried male applicants cannot foster a female child except where the Foster Care Placement Committee is of the view that it is in the best interest of the child to do so (Draft Regulations 11 (4)).
- Applicants who are married can apply jointly with his/ her spouse or with the consent of the spouse.
- No criminal record – especially a crime involving child abuse and neglect.
REGULAR INCOME SOURCE
- At least one of the family members has a steady and permanent source of income to adequately meet the needs of the family.
- Income sources can include for example formal employment, small business, and agriculture.
- The family should provide a safe space and living conditions necessary to promote the health and wellbeing of the child.
Kindly visit the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) Office in Accra or Click on the link for more details: https://bettercarenetwork.org/library/the-continuum-of-care/foster-care/ghana-department-of-social-welfare-foster-care-operational-manual