News

Community perception of children under state care must change: Gender Ministry

Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has expressed concern over how some people perceive children brought under state care.

The gender ministry stated the efforts to provide a dignified life for children under state care are hindered by the way some people think of these children. As such, the ministry said some people in islands with state care facilities are spreading false rumours involving the children, which has severe psychological impacts on them. The ministry urged the public not to spread such rumours, and to eliminate the negative thinking on children under state care.

The gender ministry states there are currently 222 children under state care, including 112 boys and 110 girls. All children under state care were previously accommodated in facilities established in Villimale’ and Hulhumale’. However, additional facilities have now been established in the atolls and the ministry is working on relocating children under state care to the new facilities.