Ministry Reports 164 Children Under State Care Last November

The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s 2023 statistics provide an overview of child welfare services, including 164 children under state care for the month of November.

In January, the ministry reported that one child was taken into state care, contributing to a total of 183 children in the system. The numbers slightly increased in February and March, with three new children each month, maintaining the total at around 186.

As the year progressed, the data showed fluctuations. For instance, in May, the total decreased to 182, indicating some children left state care. However, by August, a notable decrease was observed with the total falling to 169, primarily due to four children and successful reintegration efforts.

By September, the total number of children under state care stabilised at 164. This number remained constant through to November, despite the varying numbers of children and reintegration instances each month.

In terms of fostering, the statistics showed a steady but modest number of placements throughout the year, ranging from zero to two per month.

The Ministry’s focus on family reintegration is also evident in the statistics, with numbers ranging from zero to four per month. These figures represent the successful efforts to reunite children with their families, a key objective of the child welfare system.

Overall, the data for 2023 illustrates the dynamic and responsive nature of child welfare services. While the total number of children under state care experienced fluctuations, the efforts in fostering and reintegration demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to the well-being and family unity of these children.