Foster care is the basic method of caring for people with mental disorders in the homes of non-related families in Geel, a town of 40,781 people (2021).
The Geel Psychiatric Family Foster Care program is a unique model of contemporary psychiatric care, which has a rich cultural tradition and is innovative and inspiring. By de-stigmatizing mental illness, it encourages the social participation of mentally vulnerable people. It has constantly been recalibrated over time to reflect advances in medicine and society. The PFC model's past and ongoing safeguarding programs provide insight into its resilience and core values. It is believed that the origins of the PFC tradition in Geel can be traced back to the legend and cult of Saint Dympna, invoked in the region in prayer to cure insanity in the 13th century. Religious penitence rituals were performed at Geel by pilgrims, some of whom were considered possessed or mad. Care was provided to people in need by local families, and many chose to stay.
Having deeply embedded connections to the local community and passing on foster care practices from generation to generation makes the Geel PFC system resilient. It is also threatened by changes in modern society (individualization, urbanization) and mental healthcare (diversification of care). Due to intergenerational transmission within families and communities, PFC has a high level of viability. In addition, OPZ Geel and the Belgian state financially and legally support the foster care system. Throughout history, storytelling and celebration have played a significant role in connecting people to their culture. PFC safeguarding is coordinated locally and integrated nationally. In addition, Geel is also involved in international networks connecting communities linked to cults and traditions of Saint Dympna (e.g., Tydavnet Ireland; Xanten Germany).
This safeguarding practice fulfills the requirements of article 15 of the Convention. PFC heritage is safeguarded by foster families, guests, medical staff, city services, cultural organizations, heritage workers, and researchers through transparency and dialogue. People with mental disabilities are encouraged to accept their behavior rather than change it. Its heritage healthcare safeguarding program is strongly aligned with SDG3, OD179, and its focus on safeguarding ICH and sustainable development. The tradition of hosting guests has become ingrained in a lot of foster families. OPZ Geel offers educational projects in its community center ('t Vooruitzicht) and visitor's center (Passage), schools, museums, and during Dympna Days. In the present day, 135 guests live in foster homes, and the model continues to adapt to changing circumstances and develop.