Family-based care approach to replace placement of children in welfare institutions

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to introduce the family-based care approach to replace the existing placement of children in welfare institutions.

Its minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said children in family-based care, which will be under the Welfare Department, would be cared for by foster parents or a guardian.

"The department will conduct either short term or long term planning to ensure the approach will be done properly," she said when opening the Ulu Tiram Mini Children's Home (RKK), here Friday.

Also present were state Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Asiah Md Ariff and Welfare Department director-general Datuk Zulkiply Ramli.

Rohani said based on research, the new approach revealed that children were experiencing healthy and perfect growth process through family environment.

Rohani said the family-based care had been implemented in some countries such as the United Kingdom, Moldova and Cambodia.

She said for a start, the department had carried out the approach by placing 26 children under the care of foster parents and family.

Meanwhile, Asiah said the Ulu Tiram Mini RKK opened in June was the second Mini RKK after one in Kelantan. It can accommodate up to 30 children.

She said the Mini RKK was aimed at promoting good physical, emotional and mental development in a peaceful and secure environment.

"The boys and girls are 12 years old and below and are placed at the home under a court order under Sections 19 and 30 of the Child Act 2001," she said.