The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security recognizes it has an obligation to set out a framework for childcare in policy and law and to ensure that childcare provision meets minimum standards in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Progress is being made in developing legislation to protect children which will eventually set out the legal framework for Minimum Standards.
These Standards represent the development of a practice quality framework for looking after children who need placement in a Children’s Home. These standards will contribute to the realization in full of the right of each child to be cared for by his/her parents and to grow up in their family environment unless the family care is significantly harmful to the child in which case alternative nurturing family care arrangements are to be sought. Poverty should not be a reason for a child needing a care placement.
These Standards have been prepared by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in consultation with the Managers of the Children’s Homes. The Standards for Children’s Home are based on international standards in the UNCRC, but are also shaped by research into current practice and knowledge of good practice. In summary these standards are an assurance given by Government and the service provider of a measurable level of quality in service provision. The Standards are voluntary but many of the Managers of the Homes have already signed a declaration that they are willing in principle to work towards the implementation of these standards in their Homes. The Standards are meant to be attainable and realistic and not beyond the capacity of Homes to meet most of them with support and guidance.
Each “Standard” is headed by an “outcome for children” and followed by “expected practice.” All three of these elements are important. The “outcome for children” is to remind “Homes” and their staff that it is the children who must benefit from the care provided by the Home. The “Standards” are agreed statements of a measure of quality of services and require a quality assurance mechanism to implement them. This will be carried out by the Inspector of Homes and the Visiting Committee. The “expected practice” is what the children and visitors to the home would expect to be able to observe. It is evidence that the Home is working to meet the Standards.
The Person in Charge of a Home is expected to complete a MoHSSS Children’s Homes registration document, this will, after being signed by all parties provide the necessary agreement for the Home to look after children. As part of this agreement the Home will agree to be visited by an Inspector from the MoHSSS and members of the Visiting Committee. At the registration stage for existing Homes, the Home and the MoHSSS will have agreed in outline the improvements that need to be made by the Home in order for it to begin to meet the Standards. It will be the future Regulations and Laws that provide an approved baseline for the quality of services
