165 children are currently living under State care, with 133 in registered and approved residential homes and centres around Fiji, while 20 have been matched with loving families and are currently undergoing the adoption process
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran highlights that each child in these Residential Homes for Children has a case plan and a care plan.
She says of the 165 children, 32 are currently in foster care.
Kiran says of these, 12 have been placed with families under mid- to long-term foster care arrangements.
She says the Ministry is grateful to the families and individuals who have come forward to provide these children with a safe, caring and supportive family environment.
The Minister adds that their commitment extends beyond meeting the children's basic needs to providing emotional support, guidance, life skills, and the stability and care necessary for their overall wellbeing and development.
The Minister says her Ministry, through the Department of Children, works closely with approved residential homes for children, relevant government ministries and key stakeholder agencies to provide coordinated support and case management for children whose circumstances require the Ministry's intervention, care and protection.
Kiran says the Department's work with children is primarily focused on two key areas: family and community-based support, and State care as a last resort.
Speaking on family and community-based support, the Minister says the Department works with parents, families and communities to identify and address risk factors that may affect a child's safety and wellbeing.
She says wherever possible, appropriate support and interventions are provided to strengthen families and enable children to remain safe within their own homes and communities.
On State care as a last resort, Kiran says that where a child's circumstances are more complex or serious, and where existing family and community support systems are unable to adequately ensure the child's safety and wellbeing, more intensive intervention may be required.
She says in such cases, State care is considered as a last resort, providing a safe and protective environment while the Department continues to work towards appropriate long-term care arrangements that are in the best interests of the child.
According to the Minister, the ages of children under State care in residential homes range from 0 to 18 years, with 10 children aged 0 to 5 years, 14 children aged 6 to 9 years, 22 children aged 10 to 12 years, 46 children aged 13 to 15 years, and 41 children aged 16 to 18 years.
