Homeless Kids on the Rise: What’s the Root Cause?

The Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya, has emphasized that while the government is doing its part to discourage child homelessness, the ultimate responsibility lies with parents and the home environment. Tabuya pointed out that family pressures and various issues within households contribute significantly to the increasing number of homeless children found in urban areas.

To address this concern, the government has established a Taskforce dedicated to investigating the root causes of why so many children are opting to live on the streets. Factors such as domestic pressure, drug use, abuse, and parental negligence have been identified as major influences that lead children to seek refuge on the streets.

Despite efforts to rescue children from homelessness and place them in rehabilitation centers, Tabuya noted a shortage of adequately trained professionals to provide the necessary care and support. She acknowledges that although certain centers exist, the demand for experienced staff surpasses the available resources.

In response to inquiries from Opposition Member Praveen Bala regarding the placement of these vulnerable children, Tabuya assured that there is a Regulatory Order in place. This order ensures that once children are placed in homes, there is a clear distinction between those who are at risk and those who may pose a danger.

The growing number of homeless children is becoming a pressing issue for the Fijian government, highlighting the broader challenges the nation faces in tackling homelessness and social inequality. This situation calls for urgent action and a collaborative approach between government entities, families, and communities to create safer environments for children.

This issue underlines the importance of family stability and community support in mitigating homelessness among youth. With concerted efforts from all sectors of society, there’s hope that more children can find safe and nurturing homes, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for future generations.