By George Swarei
In a significant move towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children, Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved the National Policy for the Care and Protection of Children without Parental Care.
Chaired by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the Cabinet Committee on Social Services and Poverty Eradication endorsed this crucial policy aimed at providing a comprehensive framework for the care and protection of children without parental guidance.
At its core, the policy strives to ensure the holistic development of every child by guaranteeing that their fundamental needs and rights are met with diligence and compassion.
Central to its objectives is the promotion of safe, protective, and stable environments for children who find themselves without parental care. The policy addresses various categories of vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, those in conflict with the law, street children, survivors of substance abuse, and those in formal and informal alternative care settings.
One of the pivotal aims of the policy is to ensure that all children in alternative care placements across Zimbabwe receive the rights accorded to them by the Constitution. This includes access to education, healthcare, justice, adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, life skills training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
By setting minimum standards for alternative care, the policy underscores the importance of comprehensive needs assessment, individualized care plans, regular reviews, and maintaining constructive connections with families and significant others in the child’s life.
Crucially, the policy emphasizes the importance of empowering children to participate in decisions that affect them. By encouraging children to express their views, wishes, and opinions, the policy recognizes their agency and dignity as active participants in their own care and well-being.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for support structures to facilitate the transition of children from care to adulthood, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources for independent living.
The successful implementation of this policy hinges on a collaborative approach, with the government adopting a Whole-of-Government strategy.
This approach ensures that various ministries and agencies work in synergy to protect the rights of children without parental care. Additionally, non-state actors are expected to complement government efforts by providing specialized services aligned with their mandates.
In essence, Zimbabwe’s National Policy for the Care and Protection of Children without Parental Care represents a significant step towards upholding the rights and dignity of of children without parents. It reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
