By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia — The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched a three-day, county-wide assessment of orphanages and childcare institutions across Montserrado.
The review, which began today, is aimed at evaluating the overall living conditions, safety standards, and quality of care being provided to children in institutional settings.
This initiative forms part of the Liberian government’s broader commitment to strengthening child protection systems, ensuring adherence to national childcare standards, and holding orphanage operators accountable for the well-being and rights of vulnerable children under their care.
A specialized team made up of social workers, child protection officers, healthcare professionals, and monitoring and evaluation experts will visit 28 orphanages throughout Montserrado County.
The assessment will examine key areas such as the availability of proper nutrition and healthcare services, access to education, hygiene and safety of the facilities, the qualifications and conduct of caregiving staff, and whether the institutions are properly registered and maintaining accurate documentation.
Mrs. Victoria Zaway, Director of the Child Protection Division at the Ministry, described the effort as a vital responsibility. “This is a duty of care,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure that all children living in institutional care are in environments that are safe, nurturing, and aligned with both national policies and international child rights frameworks.”
The Ministry has made it clear that any institution found to be in violation of established standards could face serious consequences. These include temporary suspension or revocation of licenses, closure of the facility, and, where appropriate, legal action.
In a related appeal, the Ministry is urging all individuals and organizations currently running orphanage homes without government authorization to immediately register with the Ministry.
This requirement is part of Liberia’s regulatory framework and is essential for ensuring accountability and oversight in the delivery of care to children.
Officials say that the findings from the assessment will play an important role in shaping future policy decisions and determining where additional support or intervention may be needed to improve child welfare outcomes across the country.
This assessment comes amid increased national and international attention on the standards of care within childcare institutions.
By undertaking this review, the Liberian government is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all children, particularly those living outside of family settings.
