There is an urgent requirement for psychosocial support for vulnerable children placed in established homes throughout the nation. Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, highlighted that this need is one of the factors contributing to the delay in fully operationalizing a child well-being center in Serua.
Tabuya stressed the importance of incorporating clinical components within these centers, specifically focusing on rehabilitating children struggling with drug issues. She mentioned the necessity of a meticulous process to invite proposals from private sector entities or clinics with experience in such rehabilitation, especially since Fiji has not previously implemented such specialized care for children.
The centers already initiated by organizations like the Salvation Army and Inspire Pacific could potentially benefit from reallocated funding to enhance their existing services, according to the minister. However, she pointed out the significant shortage of child psychologists and psychiatrists in the country, which hampers the ability to provide adequate support and rehabilitation for children.
Currently, children removed from the streets often face challenges in obtaining necessary help, particularly when it comes to drug rehabilitation or other issues. Tabuya noted that facilities such as the CWM hospital’s stress management ward only cater to adults, further highlighting the critical gap in child-focused mental health services.
The government has a responsibility to prioritize the welfare of children, yet historically, funding for this purpose has been limited. Tabuya expressed hope that the upcoming budget would allocate more resources to the Department of Children, ensuring better care for at-risk youth in Fiji.
In closing, she acknowledged the support of organizations like UNICEF in addressing these pressing issues.
This article emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system for vulnerable children in Fiji and the potential for improvement through collaboration and increased funding. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive child care services, which can lead to brighter futures for the children who need it most.
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