Gov’t Seeks Staff for Children’s Treatment Center in Hoarafushi
The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has announced its search for staff to join the team at the Children’s Residential Treatment Center established in Haa Alif atoll Hoarafushi.
According to the DJJ’s announcement, various positions are available including assistant counselor, program officer, senior juvenile justice officer, workers, and child care attendants.
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Interested applicants have until 12pm on 18th April to submit their applications.
The implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act mandates the provision of centralized treatment for children residing in environments that expose them to risks of criminal behaviour. Enacted in 2019, the law underscores the importance of such interventions.
Despite the legislation being in place for five years, two significant facilities remained unused. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had initiated the establishment of the Children’s Residential Treatment Center in HA. Hoarafushi, alongside a halfway house in Dhaalu atoll Kudahuvadhoo, as part of the Juvenile Justice Act.
However, due to the current condition of the center in Kudahuvadhoo, the current administration has decided to repurpose the facility in Hoarafushi to accommodate residential treatment within the coming weeks.
Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday within Iskandharu Koshi in Malé City, Minister for Homeland Security Ali Ihusan highlighted the importance of completing the initial residential treatment program before transitioning children to halfway houses. He emphasized the necessity of operationalizing both stages of the system.
He further disclosed plans to expedite the opening of the center to initiate the rehabilitation of approximately 200 high-risk children identified as a top priority.
Per the Juvenile Justice Act, children deemed at risk are placed under state custody and provided with long-term residential treatment. The government intends to establish a long-term residence care facility in a separate island to cater to these children until they reach 18 years of age.
