Colombia's ICBF opens Casa Atrapa Sueños in Montería, launches foster‑home drive in Yopal

The Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) inaugurated the first Casa Atrapa Sueños in Montería, a centre intended to serve 330 children, adolescents and families from vulnerable communities. The facility, located at Carrera 9 #11‑22, offers interdisciplinary support—including art, culture, sport, literature, innovation and psychosocial accompaniment—through a team of psychologists, social workers and other professionals to strengthen self‑esteem, identity and personal development.

In Yopal, ICBF launched the "Abre tu puerta, abre tu corazón" campaign to recruit new substitute homes for children whose rights have been violated. Targeting communes 2‑5 of the city, the initiative invites prospective foster parents aged 23‑55 with at least ninth‑grade education and a vocation for service. Applicants will receive a monthly stipend equivalent to the legal minimum wage, plus pension, health and utility‑discount benefits. The program seeks to expand the region’s 47 existing foster homes to meet rising demand for child protection.

Both actions are part of ICBF’s broader strategy to provide comprehensive protection and development opportunities for Colombian children and adolescents in need.