MINISTRY OF GENDER AND CHILDREN’S AFFAIRS HOSTS TWO-DAY VALIDATION MEETING ON THE DRAFT ALTERNATIVE CARE POLICY 2025, GUIDELINES ON REINTEGRATION, AND RELATED DOCUMENTS.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) convened a high-level two-day validation meeting at its headquarters in Freetown to review the Draft Alternative Care Policy (ACP) 2025, along with guidelines on reintegration and other related documents.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, SOS Children’s Village, UNICEF, Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), Don Bosco Fambul, The Raining Season, Variety Children, and other child protection organizations. Also in attendance were senior ministry officials such as Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Planning and Policy; Daniel Albert Gbow, Deputy Director from the Children’s Directorate; the Director of Children’s Affairs; and several institutional partners who shared insights and recommendations on the draft policy.

Steering the meeting, Acting Chief Director Charles Vandi welcomed distinguished participants and stressed the significance of the ACP in promoting and protecting children’s welfare nationwide.

He outlined the agenda, which focused on reviewing reforms since the 2014–2025 framework, addressing persisting challenges, and strengthening regulatory measures.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Vandi underscored the importance of preventing family separation, recognizing kinship care, regulating care providers, and ensuring adequate resources for both MoGCA and the Ministry of Social Welfare.

He also highlighted the inclusion of disability rights, child justice, and comprehensive data systems for monitoring child welfare.

Patricia Grittens, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, reiterated the importance of the ACP in supporting reintegration processes for children, while Joseph Sunday Sinnah, the lead facilitator, emphasized the benefits of reviewing the policy to strengthen child rights.

 He linked the policy to the African Union’s commitment under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, particularly in safeguarding children without biological parents.

Sinnah called for stronger regulatory frameworks, improved monitoring systems, community-based programs, and capacity-building for social service providers.

Day one concluded with participants raising concerns about children in contact with the law, inefficiencies within Interim Care Centers (ICCs), and the lack of adequate support services such as education, health, and psychosocial care for vulnerable children.

Day Two featured group discussions where participants offered recommendations on preventing family separation and strengthening the ACP.

Deputy Director, Daniel Albert Gbow emphasized the need to revive Child Welfare Committees, train social service providers, and address the needs of children affected by natural disasters and national emergencies.

He also called for enhanced community-based programs, economic and health support initiatives, awareness-raising, and early identification mechanisms for at-risk children.

Other speakers stressed the need for stronger regulations and quality standards for foster homes, including police clearance for operators, provision of adequate resources and logistics, and capacity support for service providers.

in his closing statement, Mr Charles Vandi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the ACP is finalized and effectively implemented.

He urged partners to thoroughly review the draft policy ahead of its validation, while reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to advancing child protection in Sierra Leone.

Communications Unit

Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com