Fiji’s Growing Crisis: Unseen Children in Residential Care

The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji has reported a concerning rise in the number of children living in residential care homes. During discussions on the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024 in Parliament, Minister Tabuya highlighted findings from the UN Committee involved in monitoring the Child Rights Convention.

Many of these children have been placed in residential care due to neglect or abuse within their families, and they often endure extended stays away from the warmth and support of their loved ones. Minister Tabuya stressed the urgency of this issue, stating, “We cannot let this continue.”

The proposed Childcare and Protection Bill is essential as it emphasizes the importance of preserving family units and supporting family-based care. It recognizes the integral role of parents, families, and communities in nurturing children and safeguarding them from harm. The bill aims to differentiate between children needing care and those in conflict with the law, addressing a significant gap in current protection laws that only allow governmental intervention after abuse has occurred.

The new legislation also focuses on prevention and proactive measures, promoting early intervention strategies that involve children, their parents, extended families, and community leaders in developing care plans. Minister Tabuya underscored the importance of prioritizing kinship and family-based care, urging that prevention and early intervention should become a foundational discussion and practice.

She described the bill as revolutionary and transformative, emphasizing that early intervention is crucial for breaking the cycle of abuse. With these reforms, there is hope for a future where children can remain within supportive family environments and communities, enhancing their well-being and ensuring they have the love and care they deserve.

In summary, the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024 represents a pivotal shift in Fiji’s approach to child welfare, aiming to prevent abuse and nurture children within their families, heralding a new era of care and protection for vulnerable children.