Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has adopted the National Policy for the Care and Protection of Children Without Parental Care which seeks to facilitate the comprehensive development of all children by ensuring that their needs and rights are adequately met.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere said this at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.

He said the adoption of the policy by Cabinet came after Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Social Services and Poverty Eradication had moved the motion for its adoption.

“The policy seeks to, among other things, promote and enhance safe, protective, and stable environments for children without parental care.

“It caters for the rehabilitation of children in specialized alternative care facilities, including those with disabilities, children in conflict with the law, children removed from the streets, child survivors of drug and substance abuse, and children in formal and informal alternative care,” he said.

Muswere added that the Policy aims to ensure that all children in alternative care placements in Zimbabwe, regardless of the place, context, and duration, enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

He said it will also ensure that children in alternative care receive basic services in the form of education, health, justice, food, clothes, shelter, life skills, and sustainable livelihoods.

“The policy outlines that children should have their needs assessed comprehensively, with written placement care plans which outline how the needs will be met; that there be regular reviews of children’s needs and development placements to meet the child’s identified needs; that children should maintain constructive and safe contact with their families, friends and other people who play a significant role in their lives; and that children should be able to move in and out of care in an appropriate manner,” he said.

Muswere said a Whole-of Government-Approach will be adopted in the implementation of the policy to ensure that the rights of the children are adequately protected.

Non-state actors will complement Government efforts in the provision of specialized services in line with their registered mandates, he added.

New Ziana