1. Reassessing and Refocusing the Standards of Alternative Care for Children in Sri Lanka
Razni Razick
Independent Social worker & Counsellor
Phone:

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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.

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. THANK YOU