Shidhatha: Management of children’s shelters ineffective

Management of the State children’s shelters and orphanages is ineffective, says Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Shidhatha Shareef.

The State runs two children’s shelters and orphanages; the Kudakudhinge Hiyaa in Vilimale’ and Fiyavathi in Hulhumale’.

Speaking during an interview to VTV last Friday night, Shidhatha said the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has taken note the shelters are not run “in the most effective manner”.

Shidhatha said the current administration, during its first 100 days in office, aims to review the Kudakudhinge Hiyaa, Fiyavathi, and the Guraidhoo Special Needs Center and improve the facilities.

“We guarantee we will look into staff shortages and standardize the services of these facilities,” said Shidhatha.

The minister said the number of children taken into the two children’s shelters were increasing. And pledged to ensure the children at the shelters are provided proper protection and care.

Shidhatha also expressed concern over the increase in number of cases involving abuse and negligence of children.

50 percent of the total cases filed with the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services in the year 2018 involved abuse and negligence of children.

“Such cases involving children have a link to families and women. The number of cases involving violence against women is no fewer,” said Shidhatha.

1,317 cases of abuse and negligence of children were submitted to the ministry in 2017, and 1,174 cases of abuse and negligence of children were submitted to the ministry by November, 2018 – worrying figures, says Shidhatha.