Licensing of Private Children’s Home To Be Reviewed

The Ministry of Youth and Culture will commence a review of the licensing regime for privately operated children’s homes and places of safety, during the current fiscal year.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says this exercise aims to ensure that all entities licensed to operate as such, not only have the physical facilities to accommodate children taken in the State’s custody, but also the appropriately trained staff with the requisite experience “to offer the new standards of care that we will be insisting upon.”

Miss Hanna was making her presentation in the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 20, under the theme: ‘Not Leaving It To Chance’.

She said the review exercise will see the Ministry insisting that licensees present “credible business plans” to sustain the required levels of service.

“This is also part of our programme to improve the management of the facilities and enhance services to children,” the Minister noted.

There are currently 59 residential care institutions for children, 50 of which are owned and operated by private interests, including faith-based organizations, with significant sponsorship from the Government.

The other nine institutions are operated by the Government through the Child Development Agency (CDA).