Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi has revealed that 94 children out of state custody have been handed over to their families and reintegrated into society in the past four years.
Decentralisation is one of the most important policies of the government. Under the policy, the system of caring for children has also been changed. One of the changes brought was to require island councils to play a greater role in looking after children and in the provision of social welfare and services.
Speaking on the achievements of the government in the past four years, Minister Aishath said that 51 children in 2019 have been transferred to atolls in the Maldives under the new policy. She said that the children's siblings have also been relocated with them to establish a family environment. She also said that the government has reintegrated 94 children in the past four years including children who have returned to their families and those that joined society.
Additionally, Minister Didi said the most difficult issue in reintegrating children is to bring them out to society after the age of 18 because of the fear of fitting in. She also said that there were 130 children in the Fiyavathi Orphanage when she took office. However, she said a large number of children have been brought back into society with many opportunities.
The government has established safe environments have been established in Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah City in Gnaviyani Atoll. The government notes that the behavior and temperament of children are changing for the better as other children in society are given the same opportunities and said that societies are accepting that this is everyone's responsibility.