Sunshine League to remain open for one more month

SUNDAY, JULY 3: The Sunshine League today announces that, at the request of the Bermuda Government, it has agreed to continue to provide a 24-hour residential facility to foster children throughout July and, if necessary, August 2011. The Bermuda Government aims to complete its operational review of The Sunshine League by July 31, 2011 and recommend a way forward to maintain the operation of a 24-hour residential facility at The Sunshine League premises.

The Sunshine League will cover the operational cost out of their cash balance for the month of July and the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) will provide the remaining earmarked funds up to $75,000 to cover the operational costs of the home for the month of August.

Suitable alternative placements have been found by DCFS for each of the eight children who were living at The Sunshine League in late June. While the review was being undertaken, as always, the children's interests and safety remain the primary consideration.

During the month of July and with the government provided finances in August, The Sunshine League Board and staff have offered to provide services to the foster children who have been moved out of The Sunshine League home to assist them emotionally with the transition and to ensure the continuity of care. These services will be provided at both The Sunshine League and the foster home. Each child would be assigned a staff member who is familiar with the child to function as a home-based mentor.  The mentor will meet with the child on a weekly basis to, for example, participate in community-based and home-based activities such as board games, movies, sports, cooking workshops, visiting the Aquarium and BUEI.

Zakiya Johnson, Interim President, The Sunshine League, says: “The Sunshine League, as previously stated, is transitioning out of 24-hour residential care, but would like to allow government extra time to make a decision about effectively running a 24-hour residential facility from our building. We will continue to work closely with the government on their review and at the same time we look forward to progressing with our plan to meet with key donors and community stakeholders regarding the broader needs of foster children and how we can best meet these needs together.”

Families interested in learning more about foster care provisions can contact DCFS on 296-7575.

SUNDAY, JULY 3: Glenn Blakeney, Minister of Youth, Families and Sports, today said that the Government is pleased that the Sunshine League has agreed to continue providing 24-hour care to foster children throughout July. 

Minister Blakeney added: “The Government of Bermuda is committed to the children who are placed in the foster care system, and continues to work with the Board of The Sunshine League in an effort to use each of our respective strengths and resources towards supporting the needs of these children. We will continue our operational review of The Sunshine League this month and would like to thank the Board of The Sunshine League for agreeing to run the facility for an additional two months while we review all options for continuing to run the home as a 24-hour residential care facility. Our actions are the response of a caring government concerned only  for the safety, protection and stability of our children.”