Family services helps centre with K80,000

THE Child and Family Services office presented K80,000 to the Out of Home Care Centres in the Highlands to assist in caring for children without parents, guardians or a home.
The centres are run by the Catholic church and looks after unfortunate children, neglected by their families, community or parents.
Of the funding, K20,000 was given to the St Mary’s Ulga Out of Home Care Centre in Nebilyer in Western Highlands and K20,000 went to the St Francis Out of Home Care Centre in Mendi, Southern Highlands, and the remaining K40,000 was given to the Enga Catholic church.
Child and Family Services office coordinator Charles Makario presented a cheque for K20,000 to the St Mary’s centre this week.
He said the neglect and abuse of children were a concern in PNG and community groups, state agencies and NGOs needed to do their part in protecting the young and vulnerable.
He said Child and Family Services acting chief executive officer Simon Yanis, who allocated the funding, was keen to work with churches to ensure children were supported.
Makario said children were not just victims of violent and abusive homes but also neglected after the death of a parent, tribal fights and poverty.
Western Highlands senior welfare officer Peter Nepiel thanked the national office of Child and Family services for the support.
Nepiel said state agencies, churches and the community needed to work together to keep children off the streets.