The Ministry of Social and Family Development has begun work to transfer the custody of a certain number of children to temporary family care before the end of the first 14 weeks of the new administration.
The work is being done under the Family for Every Child programme, which gives children in state custody the opportunity to experience family care while awaiting placement in a permanent family environment. The new administration has prioritised the implementation of the programme as part of the initiatives planned for the social sector during the first 14 weeks in office.
Currently, there are more than 160 children under the age of 18 in state custody due to various circumstances. The government aims to ensure that no child is excluded from society and that they have the opportunity to grow up experiencing family care. Under the Family for Every Child programme, children who are facing challenges in returning to their birth family will be transferred to a temporary family environment.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Minister Aminath Namza said that the ministry will submit the policy regarding the programme to the Cabinet for approval and that the aim is to transfer the custody of a certain number of children to temporary families before the end of the first 14 weeks. She added that the purpose of the programme is to allow children to experience a caring familial environment while awaiting transfer to a permanent home.
Moreover, Senior Legal Counselor Aishath Ifadha said that the children are transferred to a temporary home for an agreed upon period of time, but that the families will have the opportunity to gain permanent custody. She added that the children are transferred to temporary custody through the court system, which also includes procedures for them to meet their birth family.