Foster Families Central

FOSTER FAMILIES CENTRAL

Is an independent foundation responsible for probation & parole and family guardianship services on Sint Maarten.

Through the Foster Families Central J&IS recruits, trains & supports foster parents

J&IS recruits, trains, and supports foster parents who open their homes to children who cannot live safely with their biological families. We raise public awareness about the need for foster families, provide guidance to foster parents, coordinate placements, and work closely with all parties involved to ensure each child receives stability, care, and support. Our goal is to help every child grow up in a safe, nurturing family environment.

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Objective, Mission & Vision

Objective

The main objective of the Probation and Parole Service is to encourage lawful behavior, support individuals in reintegrating into society, and contribute to safer communities by preventing offenders from committing further crimes and reducing the risk of new victims. Probation is a form of supervision ordered by a Judge or imposed by the Prosecutor’s Office as part of a sentence. Instead of going to prison, or in addition to a prison sentence, a person on probation must comply with certain conditions set by the Court or the Prosecutor’s Office while living in the community. Probationers are supervised by a probation officer, whose role is to monitor compliance and provide guidance. Failure to comply with probation conditions may result in a return to detention. Parole refers to the early release of a person from prison under conditions imposed by the Minister of Justice, based on advice from the Parole Board. A person on parole has already served part of their prison sentence and is allowed to complete the remainder of the sentence in the community. Parolees are supervised by a parole officer and must comply with specific conditions. Failure to comply with parole conditions may result in a return to detention.

Mission

The mission of the Probation Department is to carry out court-mandated supervision in a professional, lawful, and humane manner, while supporting individuals to take responsibility for their behavior and reduce reoffending. Through structured supervision, evidence-based interventions, and restorative practices where appropriate, the department works to protect victims, enhance public safety, and support successful reintegration. In close cooperation with justice partners, social services, and community organizations, the Probation Department translates judicial decisions into effective, accountable, and meaningful action in the community.

Vision

The Probation Department envisions a justice system in which accountability and support go hand in hand. Our vision is a society in which individuals who come into contact with the justice system are provided with clear structure, proportionate supervision, and meaningful opportunities to change their behavior. When mental health, addiction, or psychosocial challenges contribute to offending behavior, probation services ensure timely referral to appropriate assessment, treatment, and support, in collaboration with specialized care providers. Supervision remains focused on responsibility, safety, and rehabilitation. Through professional, evidence-based supervision, restorative approaches where appropriate, and strong collaboration with justice, social, health, and community partners, the Probation Department strives to reduce reoffending, protect victims, and support successful reintegration. In doing so, we contribute to safer, more resilient communities where rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration are central.

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What Is Foster Care?

Foster care provides temporary care for children who cannot safely live at home due to neglect, abuse, or other serious challenges. Whenever possible, children are placed with relatives or within their own network. If this is not possible, foster parents provide a safe and stable environment until the family situation improves or a long-term solution is found.

Children enter foster care when they or their families are in crisis. They may range from newborns to adolescents and may have experienced unsafe living conditions, including parental incapacity.

The goal of foster care is to ensure that children grow up in stable, lifelong family settings. Foster care is intended as a temporary solution, giving parents time to address challenges or allowing a relative, guardian, or adoptive family to assume care.

Foster Families Central connects children in need of care with compassionate foster families, preferably within the child’s own network (network foster parents).

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The Importance & Role of Foster Parents

Foster care is a temporary solution for children whose parents are currently unable to provide care, often following concerns addressed by the Court. During foster care, children may live with relatives, network foster parents, foster families, or in group homes. Foster Families Central, managed by Judicial & Institutional Services (J&IS) and established in 2009, recruits and supports foster families to provide children with a nurturing family environment in which they can feel safe and secure.

Foster parents help ensure children receive:

A stable and secure home environment.

Academic support.

Family stability.

Attention to their emotional, developmental, and social needs.

Foster parents

Foster parents provide a loving and supportive home for children who cannot live with their birth families, either temporarily or long term. They work closely with the Foster Families Central team and Family Guardians to support reunification with biological parents as soon as possible, whenever possible. Foster parents play a crucial role in helping children heal, grow, and regain stability. Although foster parents do not hold parental authority, they receive ongoing guidance and support from the Foster Families Central team. Foster parents are entitled to an allowance to help cover care-related costs, with the amount determined by the government.

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Types of Foster Parents Needed

Foster Families Central seeks a diverse range of foster parents to meet the varied needs of children who come into care. Every child’s situation is unique, and having different types of foster parents allows us to provide placements that best match a child’s age, background, needs, and circumstances. By offering a range of foster care options, we can ensure stability, safety, and continuity of care while working toward the most appropriate long-term solution for each child.

General or Permanent Foster Parents:

Day Foster Parents: Parents who provide care for a child a few days a week to support a family in need. This care ends once the home situation stabilizes.

Therapeutic Foster Parents: Parents who can support children with psycho-social and behavioral challenges, working closely with experts to provide specialized care.

Weekend/Vacation Foster Parents: Individuals who provide care during weekends or vacations for children who have little contact with their birth families.

Emergency/Crisis Foster Parents: Those available to offer immediate care while awaiting a more permanent placement decision.

Financial Supporters (Mental Foster Parents): Individuals or families who cannot physically foster a child but are willing to offer financial support.

Transition Foster Parents (18+): Foster parents who support young adults transitioning to independent living or continuing education, providing stability and guidance during this critical time.

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Requirements

Foster Families Central seeks a diverse range of foster parents to meet the varied and complex needs of children who are unable to live safely at home. Children enter foster care under different circumstances and at different stages of development, and each child requires a placement that matches their individual needs, personality, and level of support.

By having a wide variety of foster parents available, Foster Families Central can respond flexibly and responsibly to each situation. This diversity allows children to be placed in environments that offer safety, stability, and understanding, while also supporting family connections and long-term planning. A broad network of foster parents is essential to ensure that every child receives appropriate care, attention, and the opportunity to grow in a supportive family setting.

To become a foster parent, applicants must:

Be at least 24 years old.

Be of good character.

Be single, married, or in a partnership.

Be in good physical and mental health, and financially stable.

Agree to a home visit and interviews with household members.

Complete required training provided by the organization.

Be willing to work closely with the department.

Be emotionally capable of supporting children who have experienced trauma.

Attend an information or orientation session.

Procedure

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, the process includes:

Contacting Foster Families Central for information through email fosterfamiliescentral@sjis-sxm.org or +1721-5423449.

Participating in an intake and orientation screening.

Completing foster parent application forms.

Submitting a Certificate of Good Behavior (VOG).

Cooperating with a home visit.

Undergoing a psychological screening.

Submitting a positive physical health certificate.

Attending foster parent training sessions.

Being matched with a child and introduced to the child and the Family Guardianship caseworker.

Meeting with the child’s biological parents when appropriate.

Reporting how the placement is progressing.
Meetings with the Foster Families Central staff and Family Guardianship caseworker.

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May: Foster Care Month

Each year, J&IS Foster Families Central organizes Foster Care Month. This month-long event raises awareness about foster care and the need for more foster parents. It includes activities for children, families, and professionals, in partnership with the government and non-governmental organizations. Special events also recognize and celebrate foster parents.

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Mentors

Foster Families Central is also seeking volunteers to serve as mentors. Mentors play an important role in supporting foster children and foster parents by assisting with daily activities and providing consistent encouragement and guidance.

A few hours per month can have a significant impact. Children with at least one stable adult figure, such as a mentor, are less likely to engage in risky behavior and more likely to succeed academically.

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Volunteering

You do not need to be a foster parent or mentor to make a difference. There are many meaningful ways to support foster children and families on St. Maarten and contribute to their wellbeing and development.

Event Support:

Assisting with activities such as Foster Care Month, awareness campaigns, donation drives, and foster care recruitment events. Your help supports outreach, community engagement, and the recognition of foster families.

Foster Care Team Support:

Volunteering with the foster care team by helping to plan, organize, and deliver programs, workshops, and activities for children, foster parents, and families. This support strengthens the quality and reach of our services.

Financial Contributions:

Supporting children and foster families through donations that help cover the costs of afterschool programs, tutoring, school supplies, extracurricular activities, special outings, and other developmental opportunities that may not otherwise be accessible.

In addition to these options, community members can support foster care by sharing information, raising awareness, and encouraging others to get involved. Every contribution, whether time, skills, or resources, helps create stability and opportunity for children in foster care.

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As the highest governing authority, the Board carries final responsibility for all affairs of J&IS and ensures that the organization continues to serve the community in a safe, lawful, professional, and effective manner.