Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham has said that civil servants who foster infants under State care will be granted a special leave similar to maternity and paternity, as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen family-based care for children.

Speaking at a press conference, the minister said the decision follows concerns raised by foster parents over the lack of leave while caring for newborns, particularly during hospital stays and the early stages of childcare, noting that the move aims to support foster families in providing proper care and building strong relationships with children.

Minister Dr Shiham said the initiative falls under the Government’s family for every child programme, adding that the process of fostering children in State care remains lengthy and challenging for interested families, prompting the introduction of temporary fostering arrangements.

She noted that a monthly allowance of MVR 5,000 per child is being provided to financially vulnerable families who foster children, while highlighting that many of the children placed in care are infants, including those taken directly from hospitals, requiring significant time and attention from caregivers.

The minister added that 111 children have been placed in family environments since November 17, 2023, while 152 children remain under State custody, describing the increase in family placements as a positive step towards ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children.