Minister Sashi Kiran has reiterated a firm warning to children enrolled in Social Welfare rehabilitation programs: if they return to the streets, they will face criminal charges under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act. The minister noted a rise in the number of street-living youths, with some claiming they have no families, and said they are being placed in safe homes as far afield as Rakiraki and Kadavu.
The message comes as rehabilitation programs are designed to give these young people a second chance. Yet, Kiran emphasized that some youths do leave these facilities and drift back to street life, prompting the government to take tougher action. “Returning to streets will result in charges under Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act. To our youth in rehabilitation, we believe in you and in your potential for a better future. But if you return to street life, you will face legal consequences,” she said. She added that loitering is not a path forward and urged participants to remain committed to their reintegration journey.
Kiran also underlined that individuals relocated to rehabilitation or training centers under the Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnership must not go back to street dwelling. The broader push to address street homelessness in Fiji is reflected in related efforts underway across the country, including a major profiling exercise of street youths in Suva. A 140-strong cohort of youths—comprising women and children—has been identified, with plans to extend similar profiling to the Western Division. A working group led by permanent secretaries from involved ministries is overseeing these initiatives, aiming to create scalable rehabilitation and diversion pathways.
Community organizations have been instrumental in shaping practical rehabilitation models. Inspired Pacific and Kauwai Home of the Salvation Army shared outcomes from a recent program that supported 17 youths and their families, with many advocating for expanding such models nationwide. Prominent community voices, including Seru Serevi and rugby legend Seremaia Bai, discussed using music and sport as therapeutic tools and outreach platforms to engage street dwellers and at‑risk youth.
The government’s broader strategy also involves strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure and services for vulnerable groups. Initiatives include building a rehabilitation center at juvenile facilities and enhancing partnerships with non-governmental organizations to deliver immediate care. There is a cross-ministry push to review laws related to child protection and parental neglect, with authorities stressing that guardians have a crucial role in a child’s welfare. In line with this, plans are in place to promote vocational education and employment pathways for at‑risk youths, recognizing the need for sustainable reintegration.
Budget and programmatic support accompany these policy efforts. In recent discussions, ministers highlighted allocations aimed at expanding child wellbeing capabilities and drug rehabilitation services, alongside improvements to facilities that support the elderly and vulnerable populations. These investments underscore a long-term commitment to welfare, education, and reintegration rather than short-term fixes.
Commentary and outlook
– The approach signals a tough stance on street-living youth while stressing the potential for positive change through structured rehabilitation, family and community support, and meaningful education and employment opportunities.
– A key test will be balancing accountability with preventive supports that reduce recidivism into street life. Strengthened family outreach, accessible shelter and education, and robust inter-agency coordination will be critical to ensuring youths receive the help they need without stigmatizing or penalizing their families.
– Ongoing profiling and regional expansion suggest a nationwide effort to identify and assist vulnerable youths where they live, rather than waiting for crises to surface in urban centers alone.
Summary
The government is reinforcing a policy framework that pairs accountability for street-dwelling youths with expanded rehabilitation pathways and community-driven support. By combining legal safeguards with enhanced services, inter-agency collaboration, and targeted investments in child and youth welfare, Fiji aims to nurture safer, more hopeful futures for its vulnerable young people.
Additional notes for editors
– If possible, include a short explainer on Section 8 of the Minor Offences Act and how it applies to street-living youths and guardians.
– Highlight the Inter-Agency Exit Strategy Pathway Partnership and its role in coordinating rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
– Consider a follow-up piece on the Western Division profiling and the anticipated rollout of similar programs there, including quotes from participating NGOs and community leaders.
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