KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development intends to establish programmes to provide special training to caretakers of children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the ministry had requested an allocation for the programme’s implementation, which is expected to begin next year.
She said the programme was implemented due to the need for individuals who served as guardians to obtain training and skills appropriate to the job requirements.
“We have requested a budget allocation so that we can provide training to those interested in these jobs, and secondly, the industry requires those willing to care for people who require this assistance.
“We have many homes for the elderly, children’s (shelter) homes, and all kinds of things, especially those that are privately run; we want to ensure that our country has people who are skilled in this field,” she said at a press conference held today at Parliament.
Regarding the establishment of the Child Development Department, Nancy said that with the increase of 965 contract staff working in the department by 2026, the ratio of protection officers will be reduced from one officer handling 108 cases (1:108) to one officer handling 30 cases (1:30).
“The officers’ caseloads will also be reduced, and they will be able to devote more time to strengthening case management for children, including elements of intervention, monitoring, and case evaluation, as well as implementing prevention and advocacy programmes for children’s protection and safety.”
“Following the increased staffing and competence, it will strengthen community mobilisation efforts through strategic collaboration with the Child Protection Team and Child Welfare Team, as well as protective assistants, in all 105 districts that have been appointed under the Child Act 2001 to provide protection and ensure the safety of children,” she said.
She said the Child Development Department, which was established with effect from September 1, is the best solution for addressing the issue of child neglect and abuse.
Nancy said that the establishment of the Child Development Department can also guarantee quality services to the people, especially children, based on five main pillars, namely prevention, development, protection, rehabilitation, and integration into society. – September 19, 2023