Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, is taking decisive steps to interrupt the generational cycle of crime by bolstering support for women, children, and the elderly affected by incarceration. At a recent meeting with Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, and his team, Minister Kiran explored potential collaborative ventures between her ministry and the Fiji Corrections Service.
A significant focus of their discussions was the implementation of community-based corrections within the Diversion Program aimed at juvenile offenders. The conversation also addressed the necessity of enhancing support systems for children with incarcerated parents and increasing protections for women and the elderly within the prison infrastructure. Director of Training and Rehabilitation, Isireli Dausiga, highlighted the importance of early interventions, noting that children of inmates are particularly vulnerable to falling into patterns of criminal behavior.
Minister Kiran reiterated her commitment to strengthening rehabilitation and social protection initiatives, emphasizing the need to prioritize child protection and facilitate opportunities for family reconciliation. Both the ministry and the Fiji Corrections Service have pledged continued partnership to foster dignity and hope for those impacted by the penal system.
This collaborative effort is part of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection’s ongoing mission to address the challenges faced by at-risk populations. Minister Kiran’s previous initiatives include establishing a rehabilitation center at the Suva Juvenile Centre for street children and creating supportive programs for the homeless elderly. Partnerships with organizations such as the Salvation Army and Inspire Pacific have been pivotal in delivering immediate assistance to children and addressing broader issues like homelessness and substance abuse.
Through active collaboration with the Fiji Corrections Service, the ministry is pursuing comprehensive rehabilitation and support options, recognizing that collective action is essential for significant social change. By leveraging partnerships, the ministry is creating pathways to a hopeful future for vulnerable groups, demonstrating that targeted intervention and unified efforts can lay the groundwork for a more equitable and compassionate society.