(No. B/1064) Ms J. Bérenger (First Member for Vacoas & Floréal) asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare whether, in regard to the recent allegations of mismanagement at the SOS Villages d’Enfants Maurice and the findings of the Ombudsperson for Children regarding same, particularly, the Bambous Village, she will state whether an inquiry has been initiated thereinto and, if so, indicate – (a) the prompt measures taken, if any, by her Ministry for the protection, welfare and psychological support of the children concerned, and (b) whether the monitoring and accountability mechanisms applicable to non- governmental organisations and institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable children will be revisited. The Deputy Prime Minister: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that the Residential Care Institutions (RCIs) for Children Regulations 2022, made under the Children's Act 2020, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the operation of residential care institutions for children. The regulations provide, inter alia, for the licensing and registration of institutions, inspections, record keeping, management, staffing, food provision, transport, security and reporting obligations. In accordance with these regulations, officers of my Ministry carry out regular inspection visits to RCIs to ensure compliance with the prescribed norms and standards. I am informed that during routine inspections carried out at SOS Children's Village Bambous, officers of my Ministry identified a number of shortcomings which were immediately brought to the attention of the management of the institution. My Ministry was also made aware of allegations of mismanagement from various sources. The main shortcomings identified were as follows – • the absence of a Village Manager; • shortage of staff resulting in inadequate supervision of children; • inadequate provision of fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy products; • irregular disbursement of the monthly household budget; • deficiencies in record keeping, and • poor standards of cleanliness in certain houses. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I wish to inform the House that in view of the allegations levelled, and in line with the principle of the best interest of the child, my Ministry took immediate measures to ensure the protection, welfare and well-being of the children residing at SOS Children's Village Bambous. Consequently, an urgent meeting was convened at my Ministry, on 02 April 2026, with the Managing Director and representatives of SOS Children’s Village Mauritius, the Secretary of the NSIF, National Social Inclusion Foundation, and officers of my Ministry to address these issues and agree on immediate corrective measures. During the meeting, the management of the institution acknowledged the challenges being encountered and undertook – • to recruit a Village Manager at the earliest to ensure the proper management and supervision of the village; • to recruit additional staff to address existing manpower shortages; • to secure a new supplier to ensure the regular provision of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and • to regularise the disbursement of the monthly household budget. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry immediately reinforced its monitoring of the institution. As from 02 April 2026, Enforcement Officers of my Ministry carried out daily inspection visits to closely monitor the implementation of the agreed corrective measures and ensure that the welfare of the children remained fully safeguarded. I am informed that, following this continuous monitoring, the SOS Children's Village Bambous has implemented a number of corrective measures. These include – • ensuring the regular supply and distribution of food items, including fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products; • enhancing standards of cleanliness within the residential houses; • strengthening record keeping procedures; • ensuring the timely allocation and distribution of household budgets, and • the appointment of an Assistant Village Manager by the Management of SOS Children’s Village, who assumed duty on 13 April 2026. Upon successful completion of the prescribed six-month training programme and subject to a satisfactory Performance Appraisal, she will be confirmed in the post of Village Manager. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, thereafter, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children had also conveyed recommendations in respect of the situation at SOS Children's Village Bambous. I wish to highlight that my Ministry had already taken appropriate actions, as indicated earlier in my reply, to ensure compliance to standards of care at the institution. Mr Deputy Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question. I wish to inform the House that my Ministry is currently reviewing the residential care institutions for Children’s Regulation 2022 with a view to further strengthening the regulatory framework governing Residential Care Institutions. The review will reinforce monitoring and inspection mechanisms, strengthen governance and accountability requirements, enhance service delivery standards, and ensure a more effective continuum of care for children placed in residential institutions. In this context, my Ministry organised a consultative workshop with stakeholders on 08 and 09 April 2026. The policy orientations, which would be included in the new regulations, are being validated. My Ministry will continue to exercise close oversight over all residential care institutions and will not hesitate to take any action warranted under the law to ensure that the rights, welfare, and best interest of every child entrusted to institutional care are fully protected. The Deputy Speaker: Yes!