Home of abused kids ready
Nurses, caregivers have been hired, paperwork in place
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Staff Reporter
The National Centre for Child Protection is “almost ready” to begin operations, says psychology expert Dr Sharifa Swar.
Last month, it was reported that discussions were underway in the parliament to pass the child abuse protection law to prevent child abuse.
Although there have been no concrete developments in connection with the law in the parliament, the centre is all set to commencing operations. “We are making sure that all paperwork are in place. We want to be doubly sure that we have followed procedures as per the ministry’s instructions.
Home of abused kids ready
Nurses, caregivers have been hired, paperwork in place
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Staff Reporter
The National Centre for Child Protection is “almost ready” to begin operations, says psychology expert Dr Sharifa Swar.
Last month, it was reported that discussions were underway in the parliament to pass the child abuse protection law to prevent child abuse.
Although there have been no concrete developments in connection with the law in the parliament, the centre is all set to commencing operations. “We are making sure that all paperwork are in place. We want to be doubly sure that we have followed procedures as per the ministry’s instructions.
“Any mistakes could pose as potential problems for the centre as well as for the success of the project,” said Dr Swar.
“I was informed that it would only be a matter of time before we start operations.
“Arrangements have been made for the premises, which will be in New Zinj where more than two-dozen children can be accommodated.
“Their stay there will depend on how their cases proceed but we do not intend to keep them there forever.
“Necessary hiring has also been done; a number of nurses and experienced caregivers have been employed,” she said.
“I am looking forward to starting operations to reach more and more people who need our help,” she said.
The centre will be operated by the Ministry of Social Development.
It will provide shelter for abused children. “The centre will serve as a safe house for the abused children who will continue to live there as their cases develop,” Dr Swar said.
Over 150 cases of child cases were reported by hospitals between 1999 and 2001.
Sexual abuse victims accounted for almost 87 percent; physical abuse victims were 50 per cent and some 10 per cent of the cases included both forms of abuse.
More than 50 per cent of the victims were male and the others were female with a median age of about seven.
