KUCHING: The Department of Child Development (JPKK) has long been operating on the ground to safeguard the wellbeing of children, despite not yet being formalised by law, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said that while some laws still require amendment, the department’s operations remain unaffected.
“We still need to amend certain laws, and we’re still recruiting to strengthen our workforce based on recruitment targets, but so far, operations have not been affected.
“Because the staff have always been there. Their duties are not disrupted. It’s just that we’ve always spoken of our intention to formally establish it, which is already in place.
“The only thing left is to make the JPKK an independent entity,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating at the Santubong Women Empowerment programme at Jamilah Hall, Yayasan Sarawak, here today.
For the record, with the addition of 965 contract positions, it is projected that by the year 2026, the ratio of Child Protection and Moral Officers handling children’s cases will be reduced from 1:108 to one officer handling 30 children’s cases (1:30) annually.
With the increase in positions and improved competencies, case officers will be better equipped to empower community mobilisation efforts through strategic collaboration with Child Protection Teams, Children’s Welfare Teams, and assistant protectors in all 105 districts appointed under the Child Act 2001 to provide protection and ensure the safety of children.
In line with this effort, the ministry has been entrusted with managing and ensuring compliance with six key Acts: Child Act 2001, Destitute Persons Act 1977, Child Care Centre Act 1984, Care Centres Act 1993, Domestic Violence Act 1994, and Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.
These Acts serve as the guiding framework for the ministry in formulating policies and implementing appropriate interventions related to children.
The Acts and related Regulations will be reviewed in line with current needs and stakeholder demands.
“Amending a law is not something that can be done in a day, because when we propose an amendment, the relevant agencies also have to review it in relation to other existing laws, and we must ensure there are no conflicts between them,” she said.
Accordingly, a special project team will be established to ensure a more comprehensive approach that keeps pace with the changing times.
