News
Shelter Faces Criticism from Minister Over Poor Living Conditions
On January 20, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Arianne Navarre-Marie, visited the Residential Care Institution L’Oiseau du Paradis in Cap Malheureux, where she discovered troubling living conditions and inadequate services for the residents. Expressing her deep concern, the minister highlighted the severe lack of basic kitchen equipment and lamented the overall conditions in which the residents live.
In response to these alarming findings, Navarre-Marie emphasized the urgent need for several key measures:
- Reestablishment of a National Children Council Board: She underscored the importance of having a dedicated body to oversee and advocate for children’s welfare.
- Hiring a House Manager: To ensure effective daily management, the recruitment of a responsible individual to oversee the shelter’s operations is essential.
- Training for Care Aides: Proper training for staff members will enhance the quality of care provided to the residents.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading the physical facilities will help create a safer and more secure environment for children during their stay at the shelter.
Navarre-Marie added that implementing these measures is crucial to ensuring that residents feel safe and supported.
The L’Oiseau du Paradis Residential Care Center has frequently been in the news for various incidents.
In September 2024, a group of adolescents caused a disturbance, resulting in damage to the facility.
Following this event, two or three teenagers were hospitalized at Brown Sequard Hospital.
Additionally, in November 2022, six caregivers from the shelter were arrested by the Central Investigation Division (CID) after a four-month-old girl was admitted to the intensive care unit at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Hospital.
These caregivers faced temporary charges related to the mistreatment of a child.
In a broader commitment to child welfare, Minister Navarre-Marie also held a meeting on January 20, with representatives from Child Day Care Centres.
This gathering aimed to discuss proposed amendments to the regulations governing childcare facilities established in 2022.
As concerns continue to grow over the welfare of children in care institutions, the call for reform and oversight becomes increasingly urgent.
Source: Le Mauricien
