National Plan of Action on Alternative Care for Children Phase 1 (2022 - 2026) has been prepared to provide the direction of alternative care operations in Thailand that reflects the spirit of practices on alternative care for children in 5 areas:
- Family support and strengthening to prevent unnecessary separation,
- Gatekeeping processes and mechanisms to prevent unnecessary separation of children from the family,
- Ensuring quality of various childcare services
- Deinstitutionalization to reduce dependence on institutions which should be a last resort in child care and
- Providing enabling environment in accordance with relevant conventions and laws. This national plan of action was developed through a qualitative research with participation of various stakeholders at the local level.
The national plan of action was endorsed by the National Child Protection Committee, which assigns Department of Children and Youth as the lead agency to implement the plan that properly aligns with the Department of Children and Youth’s strategic plan and action plan for 2023-2027. This national plan of action will also be incorporated into the drafting of the 2nd National Child Protection Strategy 2023-2027, to ensure concrete mobilization of alternative care efforts by all relevant sectors. Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security would like to thank the researchers, Working Group on Alternative Care System Development under the National Child Protection Subcommittee on System Development, Government Agencies, private sectors, civil societies and those who shared opinions and provided recommendations for the development of this national plan of action, and UNICEF for providing technical as well as financial support. It’s sincerelyhope that all stakeholders will use the essence of this national plan of action as a guideline to implement alternative care for children in Thailand, so that children can continue to thrive in quality family care.
