The number of children residing in residential care homes in Fiji is on the rise, according to the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Ms. Tabuya. This concerning trend was brought to light during her appeal for the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024 in Parliament, which has the support of the UN Committee monitoring the Child Rights Convention.
Ms. Tabuya pointed out that many children end up in these facilities due to neglect or abuse from their families. Unfortunately, they often experience lengthy stays in residential care without familial or community love and support. “We cannot let this continue,” she emphasized.
The Minister highlighted the importance of the Childcare and Protection Bill, which prioritizes family preservation and encourages family-based care models. It recognizes the crucial role that parents, families, and communities play in nurturing and protecting children from harm while also distinguishing between children in need of protection and those in conflict with the law.
Under existing protection laws, government intervention occurs only after a child has been abused, a scenario Ms. Tabuya believes is already too late. The Bill advocates for preventive measures, including early intervention strategies, involving the child, their parents, extended family, and community leaders in care planning. It places a significant emphasis on kinship and family-centered approaches.
Calling the Bill revolutionary and transformative, Ms. Tabuya stated that creating a proactive framework for addressing issues before they escalate is essential for breaking the cycle of abuse in society. “Prevention and early intervention have to be the new talk that we walk,” she asserted, underscoring the urgency of her message.
This initiative represents a positive shift in addressing the needs of vulnerable children in Fiji, aiming to ensure that they receive the love and support they deserve from their families and communities rather than being placed in institutional care.
In summary, the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024 aims to shift the focus from reactive interventions to preventive measures, providing hope for a future where children can grow up safely within their families.
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