Foster care is a form of non-institutional residential child care service which aims to provide a temporary alternative family for children in need. There are at present a total of 560 foster care places run by both SWD and non-governmental organisations.
"Through fostering, children can grow under a normal family setting and enjoy happy childhood. The ultimate goal of foster care is family reunion.
"Foster parents can, on the one hand, serve the community and on the other, polish their parenting skills," Mr Lai said.
They are entitled to a monthly incentive payment of $1,222 plus a monthly maintenance grant of $2,446 to cover the expenses of the foster child.
In addition, when a child is newly placed in a foster home, the foster family will receive an initial setting up grant of $1,222 for the purchase of bedding and toys for the child.
Married couples who are interested to become foster parents can call Central Foster Care Unit on 2852 4596 for further details.
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$17.9 million pay-out to charitable organisations
The Sir Robert Ho Tung Charitable Fund has recently granted a total of $17.9 million to 57 charitable organisations in Hong Kong.
This was announced by the Deputy Secretary for Health and Welfare and Chairman of the Allocation Committee, Mr Bob Wilson, today (Sunday). The committee is responsible for advising the Governor on allocations from the Fund.
Mr Wilson said major grants this year included a sum of $4.2 million injected into the Samaritan Fund, which is under the management of the Hospital Authority, to enable it to provide financial assistance to needy patients.