According to the June 2020 data by the National Council for Children Services (NCCS), the Department of Children Services (DCS), and partner organisations, at least 29,006 children are living in childcare institutions countrywide. Several studies show that children in orphanages are at greater risk of abuse than those in the general population. The abuse can be violence against the children or neglect, like children living in dorm-like settings without enough caregivers to give them one-on-one attention. Keeping children in orphanages is also more expensive than family-based care. ‘Changing the Way We Care’ is an initiative designed to promote nurturing of family care for children, and is supporting the GoK’s efforts.

Source: Standard Digital February 18, 2021 19:46 UTC