A TOTAL of 165 children are currently under State care in Fiji, with 133 living in approved residential homes and 32 under foster care arrangements.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran revealed the figures in a written response to Parliament, saying the ministry worked with residential homes, government agencies and other stakeholders to provide care and protection for children requiring intervention.
Ms Kiran said placing a child under State care was considered a last resort when family and community support systems could no longer adequately ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.
“State care is considered as a last resort, providing a safe and protective environment while the Department continues to work towards appropriate long-term care arrangements that are in the best interests of the child,” Ms Kiran said.
Of the 165 children, 133, or 81 per cent, are accommodated across 13 residential homes, while 32, or 19 per cent, are in foster care. Of those in foster care, 12 have been placed with families under medium-to-long-term arrangements, while 20 have been matched with prospective adoptive families and are undergoing the adoption process.
Ms Kiran acknowledged families who had opened their homes to the children.
“The ministry is grateful to the families and individuals who have come forward to provide these children with a safe, caring and supportive family environment,” she said.
The ministry said exit plans were also being developed to prepare children for life outside State care before they turn 18. These include adoption and foster placement, continued education, tertiary studies, vocational and life-skills training, independent living and, where appropriate, reintegration with families and communities.
