NOCFS LAUNCHES STANDARD TO IMPROVE OUT-OF-HOME CARE FOR KIDS

The National Office for Child and Family Services, since the approval of the standard procedure in approving, licensing, regulating and monitoring Out-of-Home Care Centres (OHCCs) have now derived a National Standards for Out-of-Home Care Centres (NSOHCC).

With support from the United Nation’s International Childrens Emergency Fund [Unicef], the NOCFS identified the need for a document such as this in their stive to protect children placed under their watch.

Work on the NSOHCC started in 2020 with various workshops and meetings leading to the launching last Thursday.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter officially launched the NSOHCC along with the Child Protection Case Management Standard Operating Procedure and the Gutpela Choice Information, Education and Communication materials at the Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby.

The launching was witnessed by NOCFS chief executive officer Mr Jerry Wap, Department of Community Development secretary Mr Jerry Ubase, UNICEF’s deputy (operations) Ms Kateryna Lytvynenko, UNICEF’s chief child protection officer Ms Paula Vargas, Western Highlands Community Development manager Mr Steven Tepra and other distinguished guests.
Minister Peter said children are important because they hold the country’s future in their hands.