The objectives of CPS Penang are both immediate and longer-term. The immediate objective is to provide children at risk with a safe and supportive environment conducive to their healthy development. Our areas of focus include emotional and physical development, social skills, and education. CPS Penang works with parents and other family members so the child can eventually be re-united with their family.
In the longer-term we seek to support projects that enhance community-based facilities for childcare and development in areas where such facilities are lacking. We also seek to raise awareness of issues relating to children at risk by being involved in training workshops and conferences. Hence we work together with various government and non-government organisations to help develop longer-term strategies and goals. Some of our programs include:
OUTREACH
We run an outreach service both on the island and on the mainland. This Program includes working with the families of our residential children as well as children who are back with their families. Moral support for the parents and children is an on-going process. On the mainland, we run a Learning Centre which is run by two part time staff. It is a platform where children come together and learn from sharing experiences. Our weekly visits help us identify the needs of this community.
FOSTERING
Besides food and accommodation our children need to belong to a family. This is where Fostering can provide a sense of belonging and love. An atmosphere that provides warmth and care without stifling the child’s need to know and be in contact with his own parents can be very helpful. Short-term fostering is temporary placement of a child within a family for less than a year and long-term fostering is a placement of a child within a family for a period longer than a year.
EX-RESIDENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
When the opportunity arises we try to send our children/teenagers for further training. We link to other organisations, such as Info Genius Penang, Montford Boy’s Home and YWCA in Kuala Lumpur. We also try to help those who have left us to get jobs from potential employers and when necessary ex-residents will turn to us for guidance and moral support which we are happy to give.
