Child Development Agency Receives $1.36 Billion

Approximately $1.3 billion has been allocated to the Child Development Agency (CDA), in the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.
The CDA represents an amalgamation of the functions and operations of the Children Services Division, the Adoption Board, and the Child Support Unit.
It will continue to implement the mandates of legislation, such as the Child Care and Protection Act, and the (Adoption of) Children Act, which relate to the administration of programmes for children who are in need of care and protection.
The mission of the Agency is to develop, implement, co-ordinate and regulate national policies and programmes that promote the welfare of all children, meet Government’s obligation to international standards for children, and assist in making children capable of maximising their potential.
In order to achieve its mission, the CDA has identified several strategic objectives, such as: advocating for child rights and developing public awareness of children’s issues; developing and enhancing the holistic well-being of all children in need of special care; co-ordinating and regulating childcare bodies; and advising on the development of policies relating to children.
The CDA was commissioned as an Executive Agency on June 1, 2004.