Since taking office, government has placed 110 children from state care with families

A total of 110 children under state care have been placed with families since the current government took office, Social and Family Development Minister Dr Aishath Shiham said on Monday.

She shared the update while presenting the ministry’s progress at a press conference held at the President’s Office.

According to the minister, the number of families volunteering to foster children in state care has been steadily increasing. She said the ministry monitors these households closely and noted that families have shown exceptional kindness and respect toward the children.

Of the 110 children placed so far, some have been reunited with their birth families, while others have been placed with new foster families.

“Under the ‘Family for Every Child’ initiative, from November 2023 to now, 110 children have been handed over either to their own families or to new families, and this work is progressing very well,” she said.

The minister also highlighted efforts to equip children in state care with practical skills for daily life and future employment. This year, 23 children have been enrolled in internship programmes, while around 40 have received life‑skills training.

As of September 30 this year, 156 children were under state custody under the Child Rights Protection Act, 85 boys and 71 girls.

Children enter state care for various reasons each year. The minister reiterated that the President’s vision is to ensure every child grows up in a safe and nurturing family environment. In line with this, the government has launched a dedicated fostering programme to place children in family settings rather than long‑term institutional care.