Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs Holds Validation Report Meeting on New Child Care Policy.

The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs took a major step on November 13, 2025, by bringing together partners and officials to finalize the new Alternative Care Policy.

The meeting aimed to review and validate the policy, which is designed to protect vulnerable children. Key ministry figures attended, including the Director of Children's Affairs, Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow, and Assistant Directors Bashiru Thullah and Laura Koroma.

Director Joyce B. Kamara opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and praising their ongoing efforts to support children nationwide. She reaffirmed the ministry's deep commitment to putting children's needs first.

Leading the discussions, former Chief Director Joseph Sunday Sinnah stressed the policy's critical role in safeguarding every child's well-being. He explained that the plan focuses on three main areas: Foster Care, institutional care, and the plight of street children.

Sinnah detailed the policy's core components, which are built on principles like non-discrimination and keeping children connected to their families whenever possible. He listed several key actions the policy will take:

The new policy outlines a comprehensive approach to child welfare, focusing on providing professional psychological support to help children heal, while also creating local welfare committees to monitor their safety closely. This strategy is further strengthened by launching community education programs to raise public awareness and training more social workers to handle cases effectively.

The session included an open discussion where participants shared their insights. They talked about improving the foster care system, helping children who cannot report abuse, and strengthening oversight for orphanages.

Sinnah returned to a central theme, noting that local communities must be involved. Their help is essential for monitoring homes and ensuring children in foster or kinship care are safe.

Everyone agreed on a path forward by the end of the meeting. Partners and the ministry pledged to work more closely together. They aim to use strong legal frameworks and shared commitment to build a future where every child in Sierra Leone has a chance to succeed.

MoGCA Communications Unit

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