Safe houses for abused children

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) of Child Development and Women's Affairs Ministry will set up safe houses and foster homes in all provinces to provide safety and care for abused children, Child Development and Women's Affairs Minister Tissa Karaliyadda said.

The Ministry has taken this step considering the mental health of these children who have to be well looked especially after abuse. These safe houses will be established in quite locations in collaboration with provincial probation officers. The first safe house will be established in the North Central Province and thereafter in all provinces including the North.

According to the Ministry's records, 878 children between 10 and 16 years, and 200 children under 10 years were abused in 2009. A similar number of cases has been reported in 2010, NCPA Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake said.

She added that the NCPA is seeking individuals who are willing to look after abused children in the safe houses.

They will be asked to visit these houses and spend time with children who need love and care.

A special fund will be opened under the NCPA act to raise funds for the betterment of the children in childcare centres. Members of the public can make donations for the welfare of the children through this.