The Child and Family Protection Service, a branch of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, has amended the law governing the reintegration of children in state care. Under the amendment, the transfer of custody for children in state care will be conducted through the judicial courts.
In accordance with the amendment, prospective foster parents must seek approval from the judicial court to obtain legal custody of the children. The amendment is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of children under state care, aligning with the administration's commitment to their well-being.
The ministry aims to ensure the safety of children in state care, with the court playing a pivotal role in overseeing their transfer of custody. In 2020, legal custody was transferred for one child, and in 2021, three children are slated for a similar transfer.
The ministry reported four new admissions to state care, with three children successfully reintegrated with their families and one placed with foster parents in October. It brings the total number of children under state care to 164 as of the same month.