Rise in ‘Covid-19 orphans’, home alone children a big concern, says activist

 

Children at an orphanage run by a welfare association in Kajang, Selangor. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The government must collaborate with NGOs and community-based organisations to address the increase in “Covid-19 orphans” and children who have lost one of their parents to Covid-19, an activist has said.

PH Wong of Childline Foundation said there is also a need to address the issue of children left home alone after their parents are hospitalised, or those with parents who have Long Covid and are unable to care for them.

Wong said this is all the more concerning as government orphanages were already “bursting at the seams” even before the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said these issues, coupled with the rise in child abuse and abandonment cases brought about by movement restrictions and the increasing socio-economic problems, have resulted in an overwhelmed social welfare department (JKM).

Therefore, she said, the department’s gazetted “child protectors” may not be able to accommodate a further rise in children needing care and protection.

“That is why we are requesting for JKM to allow NGO assistant child protectors (who have been gazetted and approved by them) to help with managing, handling and following up on cases that may not require official JKM child protectors,” she told FMT.

“Wong said latest data has shown an increasing number of deaths among younger people, who could have been young parents with children at home.”

“She said exact estimates of children who have lost their parents are unknown. Hospitals are also subject to patient confidentiality and may not be able to disclose information about the families of those who die from Covid-19.”

However, the education ministry has revealed that about 1,500 students nationwide have been orphaned during the pandemic since March last year.

Wong said ”Covid-19 orphans” should not be placed in large orphanages or institutions because of the traumatic circumstances under which they have lost their parents.

“We recommend that they be put under family-based care or settings, where they are integrated in smaller groups, or with foster families so proper care and attention can be provided.

“Such safe placement must be done in collaboration with the JKM district offices,” she said, adding that Childline Foundation will be having a meeting with government agencies on the matter soon.

“We want to handle cases within the law. We want the government to recognise us. We need to do this together. There is an urgent need to mobilise NGOs due to these extraordinary circumstances. Together, we can work in the best interests of these children and their families.”

Wong said the Covid-19 Greater Klang Valley Special Taskforce had asked the foundation in July to set up a Covid-19 Child Crisis Support Team (CCST) made up of volunteers from a network of child rights NGOs and activists to support these children and others unable to be with their parents.

She said the foundation has also enlisted the help of childcare NGOs willing to provide temporary placement in some of their centres, which are not operating because of the lockdowns.

These private centres can be redesignated as safe spaces for children whose parents are in hospital, or as child-friendly quarantine centres for young children who have no one to care for them.

She said the CCST and NGO members have also formed a team of mental health experts to listen to children and ensure they are doing well emotionally.

Those under 18 who need mental health support may contact their dedicated Buddybear Childline at 1800-88-2327.

Should anyone know of children who have been orphaned or left home alone and are in need of urgent care, the CCST may be reached via Whatsapp/text at 011- 2309 1234. - FMT