In this chapter from Residential Child and Youth Care in a Developing World: Global Perspectives, First Edition, Faizah Haji Mas’ud discusses the state of residential care in Malaysia. Mas’ud covers Malaysia and welfare policy, types of children’s services, as well as challenges and issues Malaysia faces in providing residential care to children.
Per Mas’ud child welfare around the world is largely dependent on adults and their ability, power and influence. Like most post-colonial countries, Malaysia’s social welfare policies and laws are often based on British ideologies. Laws relating to children and young people in Malaysia were inherited and further developed from the British Colonial Administration. Children are subject to several laws either directly or indirectly through adults. Recent changes to child welfare laws reflect global influence. Malaysia’s 8th National Plan, enacted in 2001 (MCA 2001), reflects the state’s desire to uphold the best interest of the child. Under this plan, training and media campaigns were introduced for strengthening the family unit.
Mas’ud discusses how residential care in Malaysia is a significant option of last resort for aiding children and young people in need of care, protection, and rehabilitation. While MCA 2001 provides legal structure, enacting this structure has been a challenge. Under MCA 2001, children are placed in institutional care from 1 to 3 until adulthood. These children are usually children who are considered “at-risk”.
The types of residential institutions and out of home care changed significantly with MCA 2001, Mas’ud notes. Types of residential services provided under MCA 2001 include: children’s homes, homes for the disabled, foster homes, children’s centers, and children’s institutions.
Mas’ud states that over the years, child welfare focus has shifted from a family rights focus to a child rights focus. New language in policies has more of a globally focus than it did previously. Approaches tend to revolve around “individualistic, remedial, and discriminatory strategies which concentrate on the realm of family-centred, child-centred and community-based practices and policies.”