Ministry Successfully Places Four Children in Foster Care

The Ministry of Social and Family Development announced yesterday that four children under state custody have been successfully placed with foster families this year.

Fathimath Leena, a senior official overseeing case management at the ministry, provided details during a briefing to a parliamentary committee.

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She noted that the ministry received sixteen applications for fostering this year, with four specifically for temporary foster care. This system is designed to offer stable homes for children who cannot return to their biological parents.

The ministry prioritises providing homes for children rather than keeping them under state care, Leena said, noting that thirteen children have been reintegrated successfully into their families and communities this year.

During the committee meeting, senior ministry officials, including Minister Dr Aishath Shiham, outlined ongoing efforts to provide social services to children, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

They emphasised a family-centric approach that assigns dedicated case workers to expedite cases, citing successful cases such as reintegrating a family of five children and their mother into their island community.

Leena also shared statistics on cases handled by the ministry this year, including 828 child rights complaints and 222 cases involving adults under 65 years old.

Additionally, the ministry provided temporary state protection to four individuals over 18, successfully reintegrating two into society.

The ministry currently operates children’s homes in eight locations nationwide and runs two shelters for survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring essential temporary protection for vulnerable individuals.

Officials also discussed the “Ibama” programme, aimed at raising awareness of social protection responsibilities within state institutions nationwide. Plans to establish senior citizen centres across the country were also highlighted, aiming to enhance support for elderly residents.

The committee meeting also addressed legislative reforms vital to strengthening the ministry’s ability to safeguard vulnerable individuals and deliver crucial services. Committee members affirmed their commitment to supporting these efforts, pledging comprehensive assistance for the ministry’s initiatives.