Parents urged to spend quality time with their children
The ministry strongly believes that raising a child is a holistic responsibility.
Children, who don’t feel safe, must immediately seek help or use the National Child Helpline. This was the advice from the Ministry ofWomen, Children and Poverty Alleviation. The Ministry is also encouraging children to either visit a social welfare office or police station, speak to their teachers and visit a health centre or hospital. Under the Child Welfare Act, these professionals are duty bound to report cases of harm or suspected harm.
The ministry’s concern surfaced after two girls, were reported missing at the Labasa Police Station, failed to return to their home in Vunivau, Labasa on Monday.
They were found on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed they were located at a friend’s place in Labasa.
“The two have been located, safe and in good health at a friend’s house,” Ms Naisoro said.
“Police will be looking into the matter further to determine the circumstances that led to the two running away from home to ensure their safety and well-being.”
The ministry strongly believes that raising a child is a holistic responsibility.
And the ministry also has a duty to target parents and guardians in families, communities and institutions on the importance of understanding the basic importance of child protection, managing our children at significant phases in their lives and its implications.
National Child Helpline
The ministry had established a National
Child Helpline in 2015 so that children have easy access to reporting.
The helpline is outsourced to Medical Services Pacific (MSP) that operates for 24 hours, everyday.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya, said the ministry had been raising awareness on the Child Helpline and it had proven to be working for many, especially children.
“We would like to continue to encourage reporting via the 1325 because it is reliable and effective,” Ms Tabuya said.
“We can confirm that the latest statistics on reported cases that are child welfare in nature were recorded at 1,080 whereby 878 were reported through the National Child Help-line.”
“Parents need to spend quality time with children, we should listen to them and allow open dialogue.
“Children leave home because they are not loved, not appreciated and not heard. As parents and care-givers we must provide an enabling environment for them so they do not encounter problems.”
She advised children to respect and obey their parents.