A CHRISTIAN charity has been given permission to set up a fostering service, the first of its kind in the area, for abused and vulnerable girls in north-eastern Brazil.

The charity ReVive, founded by two of the Church Mission Society’s (CMS’s) mission partners, already runs two children’s homes in the city of Olinda, which has a population of around 400,000; but it has been putting pressure on local government to set up a fostering service.

The director of international mission at CMS and co-founder of ReVive, Andy Roberts, said: “This is a momentous decision. From the moment we set up ReVive, our vision has been of the day when we can close down our children’s shelter homes — not because there aren’t any children being abused or needing care, but because they are being cared for within a strong, quality, fostering service.

“We believe that children should be brought up in families; but until now a fostering service didn’t exist in the region. As a result of the new service that ReVive can offer, many abused and vulnerable girls will have their hope restored and can look forward to a future free from abuse, inside a loving, caring foster family.”

Currently fewer than five per cent of children in Brazil are cared for by a foster family. ReVive is now speaking at churches that are looking for potential foster families. Its fostering co-ordinator, Tony Lewry, said: “Public awareness of fostering is low and, politically, passing fostering legislation is seen as a low priority.”

Initially, the fostering service will take children up to the age of six only; but it is hoped that it will be expanded and will replace children’s homes.

The charity’s two homes accommodate and support 24 boys and girls.

ReVive was set up by Andy and Rose Roberts after an encounter with three sisters who were living on the streets of Olinda, having been abandoned by their mother. ReVive’s first home opened in 2014.