Reassessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Razni Razick Independent Social worker & Counsellor Email: razrazick@gmail.com Phone: +94-763228885

Children with Disabilities in CCIs Reassessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Children with Disabilities in CCIs The STATS Out of 414 CCIs 33% CCI s have Children with Disabilities 1063 Special Need Children are in CCIs (536 Male & 527 Female) Majority of male children (Both Parents alive) are admitted to CCIs due to Disabilities or Illnesses. Census and Statistics from 2012 records of 8.7% children living with physical or mental disabilities. Children are also divided between Department of Social Services and Department of Probation and Child Care Service Source; Current Status of Child Care Institutions and Institutionalized Children in Sri Lanka - A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 2013

Challenges for Children with Disability in Care Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Challenges for Children with Disability in Care Children with intellectual, physical disability and of all ages are placed in mixed group Care leavers with disability Lack of Long Term Support Less awareness among the parents of disabled children about early identification and intervention support Unavailability of up to date data on disabled children Shortage of specialists Lack of Frequent monitoring by Specialists in CCIs Lack of referral mechanisms and coordination in reunification / family strengthening process No any specialized alternative care placement for disabled children with all required facilities One existing residential special school available Stigma on disability Children placed in mixed groups Theres only one existing residential special school

Children with Disabilities in CCIs Reassessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Children with Disabilities in CCIs The Need Implementing an efficient data mechanism to identify children with disabilities An effective inter-sectoral referral system Special Education Policy level interventions Building the capacity of caregivers Accessibility Assistive devices and other facilities Support for care leavers

Importance of Mental Health and Counselling Reassessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Importance of Mental Health and Counselling

The Mental Health Challenge Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka The Mental Health Challenge Access to MH services within care institutions Counsellors visiting the child care institutions Lack of facilities, e.g. counselling rooms with privacy Lack of awareness of the need and available of services Lack of capacity for MH assessments and managing complex issues Stigma and myths about mental illness

Children with Disability in CCIs Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Expansion of mental health services in Sri Lanka

Voluntarism The Ethical dilemma Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka The Ethical dilemma

Role of Faith Based Leaders Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka The Context Large number of care institutions are run by faith based leaders. Religious based belief which is a push -pull factor.. Religious conversion against their wishes Centres for religious studies. Eg: madrasa similarly practices are followed by other religions as well.

Role of Faith Based Leaders Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Role of Faith Based Leaders

Freedom to Practice at the institution Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Role of Faith Based Leaders Freedom to Practice at the institution Reason for Changing the Religion Source; Current Status of Child Care Institutions and Institutionalized Children in Sri Lanka - A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 2013

Direct Participation of Children in CCIs Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Direct Participation of Children in CCIs Currently available spaces for child participation Minimal participation is practiced within child care institutions Placement Committees Child Clubs (few CCI) The constitution of the Children’s councils run by Departments of Probation and Child Care services has been revised to accommodate children with disabilities and children in care institutions.

Child Participation Gaps & Challenges Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Child Participation Gaps & Challenges Cultural Barriers / Community dynamic CCI fears losing control over the children in their care Lack of understanding about meaningful child participation

Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka National Standards on Alternative Care of Children DPCCS (n.d.) Departmental Standing Order - Part II - Institutional Services CDC Statues of the Provincial DPCCSs (5 provinces) 3) NCPA (2013) Guidelines and Standards for Child Care Institutions in Sri Lanka (draft)

Existing Monitoring Mechanism Re-assessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka Existing Monitoring Mechanism 1. Citizenship Committee 2. Supervision mechanism by National Child Protection Authority 3. Human Rights Commission GAPS 1. There are NO Standards for Caregivers Draw Back 2. Existing Monitoring Mechanism is Dysfunctional

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