Minister applauds department
May 9, 2008, 12:58

The Minister for Health, Women and Social Welfare Dr Jiko Luveni has applauded the Department of Social Welfare for the number of initiatives it has undertaken to assist the poor and needy of the society.

While speaking at the Senior Management Committee (SMC) yesterday Dr Luveni in particular appreciated the department for updating the Minimum Standards of Care for children in residential placement.

“The Minimum Standard of Care will become the guiding principle for caregivers for children placed in State care under the Director of Social Welfare,” Dr Luveni said.

She said it is also pleasing to note that for the Department, 3 Cabinet Papers and decisions have been presented and processed so far.

“One Cabinet Paper and Decision relates to Minimum Standard of Care and is greatly welcomed. The Department is responsible under the Juveniles Act (Cap 56) for the residential placement and care of children and young people who are abandoned or deemed to be in need of care and protection. Children who have committed an offence or are awaiting trial are also placed under care order with the Director of Social Welfare,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Luveni said for the Poverty Monitoring Unit a review of cases for those receiving Family Assistance allowances and Care and Protection allowances is proposed in their Corporate Plan.

“This review will include assessment of eligibility criteria for Family Assistance, Care and Protection Allowance and Poverty Alleviation Programme.”


-Ends-
No:0694