The number of children residing in residential care homes is on the rise in Fiji, according to the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Ms. Tabuya. During her push for the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024 in Parliament, she highlighted findings from the UN Committee that oversees the Child Rights Convention.
Ms. Tabuya pointed out that many children end up in these care facilities due to neglect or abuse by their own families. These children often face extended periods away from familial love and community support, which she described as an unacceptable situation.
The proposed Childcare and Protection Bill is crucial for addressing these issues, as it emphasizes the importance of family preservation and family-based care. It aims to acknowledge the vital roles that parents, families, and communities play in nurturing children and safeguarding them from danger. Furthermore, the bill differentiates between children in need of care and those in conflict with the law.
Current protection laws only allow government intervention after a child has already faced abuse, which Ms. Tabuya argues is too late for effective help. The new legislation aims to encompass preventive measures, including early intervention strategies.
The bill seeks to actively involve the child, parents, extended family, and community leaders in the care planning process, placing priority on kinship and family-based solutions. Ms. Tabuya stated that the focus must shift towards prevention and early intervention, emphasizing the need to transform how society addresses these challenges.
She described the bill as “revolutionary” and essential for creating a proactive approach to break the cycle of abuse in the country before incidents occur.
This commitment to prioritizing children’s welfare represents a hopeful step toward improving the support systems in place for vulnerable children in Fiji, fostering a brighter future for them within their families and communities.
In summary, the Minister is advocating for a transformative Childcare and Protection Bill aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect and prioritizing family-based care to create a supportive environment for children in Fiji.
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