29 February 2012
Bridge Drive
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Wide support and smiles January 2012 |
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iThemba Homes is a unique yet specialised foster care initiative offering a place of sanctuary to young South Africans. Joseph House, Joshua House, Jacob House and Anna House are the first of 20 cluster foster care homes to be developed. The homes each cater for married parents and up to six children which allows for optimum one-on-one care, with the support of brothers and sisters (siblings have the opportunity to live together in the same home). Each home is headed by loving parents who provide a warm family life rooted by stability and renewal.
iThemba Homes accepts boys and girls, regardless of race, culture or religion. iThemba benefits from the services of a full-time social worker who monitors the children's welfare and works closely with government departments. Child referrals for placements of double orphans are made by the Department of Social Development together with various Children Services as well as private placements. Recognising that a need exists for innovative alternative care options, the Provincial and National Heads of the Department of Social Development have approved the iThemba Cluster Foster Care project and regard it as a being a 'best practices' model.
Every child who is welcomed on the campus experiences the overwhelming power of hope and rebirth. It is staggering to observe the difference in confidence, optimism and contentment in the children as they benefit from the family hub and having strong role models in their lives. The parents encourage the children's participation in extracurricular activities and provide services to meet the children's physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
Quality foster care is what differentiates iThemba as each child is offered the very best family environment possible, coupled with excellent education. A solid foundation is thereby formed which maximises future growth and leadership potential. A key to successful foster care is the selection of the most suitable parents with principled family values who have a long-term commitment to the children. It is a core belief of iThemba that the relationship is for life. Dedicated family care will continue from time in the home, through to their tertiary training, working life, marriage, becoming parents and beyond.