Hong Kong emergency foster mother’s ‘happy journey’ brings fulfilment, hope
NGO urges more families to sign up for foster care, with demand for emergency childcare placements expected to surge under coming law
Hongkonger Lin Lai, 68, is enjoying the precious company of Lok Lok*, her one-year-old foster child, this Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally a time for family reunions.
“Lok Lok is a happy, easy-going baby who quickly weaned himself off night feeds,” said Lai, who will take the child to a family gathering on Monday to celebrate the festival.
Over the past 13 years, Lai has been an emergency foster parent for more than 20 children. Her daughters support her commitment, visiting almost weekly to share the duty of round-the-clock care.
Lai started with a simple wish to help, drawing on her deep experience raising two daughters and four grandchildren.
“As I met more of the children, I realised they truly need families like ours to step forward and offer them a nurturing, family-based environment,” Lai said.
“Many arrive as crying, insecure and nervous babies, but after spending some weeks with me, they start to smile when they hear my voice or see me – those [feelings of fulfilment] are what I gained in this journey.”
Hong Kong had 1,080 foster families caring for 954 children as of June, while others were typically in small group homes or residential childcare centres.