After 20 years of waiting, the CNMI is finally dedicating a month to honor families who have opened the doors of their homes to foster children.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez led Wednesday's proclamation signing ceremony declaring the month of May as Foster Care Month, during which some foster care parents were given certificates of appreciation by the Division of Youth Services.
The foster care parents honored were Frank and Ursula Aldan, Efren and Martha Camacho, Vicente Remedio Cango, Adeline Cruz, Christine Halloran, Jimmy and Lucretia Limes, Andy and Beth Nepaial, Pastor Clariza Ilarde, Lourdes Salavaria, Almondo and Annie Santos, Jesus and Anicia Sonoda, Wilson and Melba Tadeo, Brian and Lina Torres, Juan and Rita Tenorio, Hilde Tagawa, Michael and Rose White, and Abed and Paz Younis. The division also honored Rota foster parents Annette and David Calvo and Antonio Mesngon. Other honorees could not make it to the ceremony due to prior commitments.
Ursula Aldan said she and her husband have already fostered at least five kids. She said they have been doing it to help these children. Whenever the division calls her home for possible foster care, Aldan said her family never hesitates to extend their help.
The DYS has had the Foster Care Program for close to 20 years.
Division of Youth Services acting director Vivian Sablan said her office currently has about 10 kids who need foster homes. She said these children were either abused or neglected by parents or relatives.
Sablan said their doors are still open to those who want to help these kids. The contract requires at least three months to shelter the kids.
“Since last year our office has provided a monthly stipend worth $250 per family,” she said.
Before, only foster parents were given the stipend but this is now extended to the kin who also keep the foster children. For those interested, contact Sablan at 664-8657 or 664-2584.
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day
May 11 was also Child Care Providers Appreciation Day. The DCCA Child Care Licensing Program, DYS Foster Care Program, Public School System Early Intervention Program and Children Developmental Assistance Center, other government agencies and organizations nationwide collaborated to honor all child care providers in the Commonwealth and across the nation.
Child Care Provider Month Committee officer Joan Aquino and Children' World Day Care principal Vincent Duenas led the reading of the proclamation. Department of Community and Cultural Affairs deputy secretary Melvin Faisao was also present at the ceremony.
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