Since 2002, foster parents Mrs Ip and her husband have opened their hearts and home to nine foster children, including the two currently under their care. Many of these children have special needs, but for Mrs Ip, fostering is more than just a career, it is a calling.
“When children feel that you treasure them, they will treasure you in return. I wish them all a happy ever after, and I will take care of them. I will not leave them.”
Mrs Ip cherishes every memory of her foster children, carefully keeping thank you cards and student handbooks as mementos of their time together. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “Most of the foster children were raised by me since they were just babies. It is hard to let them go. Watching them improve brings me great joy. Helping them become healthier and learn is truly fulfilling. This is a vocation.”
Unforgettable moments
Mrs Ip recounted both the joys and challenges of fostering, in particular, a special two-month-old baby girl.
“As soon as I started caring for her, I realised she was experiencing severe asthma at night. Despite multiple consultations with a paediatrician and several hospital visits, her condition did not improve. Eventually, after discussing with a social worker, further examinations revealed the baby had a lung disease.
“It was difficult, but the process taught me so much about perseverance and love,” Mrs Ip said.
She also shared the story of a baby boy she cared for since he was less than a month old. Now 17, the boy has moved into a hostel but still visits frequently.
“He comes back for a ‘staycation’ every week. He loves the room I reserved for him, filled with his favourite cartoons. He always says he will take care of us in the future, which makes us so happy.”
Positive impact
Fostering has not only impacted the lives of the children Mrs Ip has cared for but also her own family. Her husband and two sons have played an important role in supporting her journey.
“My sons treasure the foster children. When they go out, they walk hand in hand, just like elder brothers. I have been able to foster for so long thanks to their support.”
Her youngest son has even chosen a career in special education, a path Mrs Ip believes may have been influenced by their fostering experiences.
Fostering incentive
Foster care services in Hong Kong are provided by 11 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) overseen by the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) Central Foster Care Unit.
To encourage more people to become foster parents, the SWD nearly doubled the incentive payment for foster families in April. This led to a 35% increase in fostering enquiries from April to November compared to the same period last year. By the end of November, over 1,000 registered foster families were providing care for children in need.
According to Central Foster Care Unit Officer-in-charge Tsung Ka-yee, anyone who is healthy, committed to providing love and time for foster children, and can offer a safe living environment may apply to become a foster parent.
“Any adult, regardless of their sex, marital or employment status, can apply. Applicants must complete a home suitability assessment and pre-service training to ensure they are prepared to provide proper care.”
Foster homes must meet specific safety requirements, such as installing window grilles or safety devices for balconies. They must also provide adequate living space, including separate beds and activity areas for the children.
Tailored support
Foster parents receive a monthly incentive payment based on the type of service they provide, with additional payments for caring for children with special needs or those under the age of six.
To support foster families, the Central Foster Care Unit and 11 Foster Care Agencies offer professional assistance. Social workers conduct regular home visits, interviews, and phone check-ins to monitor the children’s adjustment and provide guidance to foster parents. For children with special educational needs, social workers also offer tailored advice, parenting support and psychological consultation services, ensuring the well-being of both the children and their caregivers.
