Supporting Targeted Families Can Reduce the Number of Children in Care Centres

Deputy Minister of Family, Labour and Social Protection B. Solongoo visited the SOS Children’s Village and Önör Bul Children’s Centre.

The Ministry is currently drafting a revised Law on Social Welfare, which aims to ensure that children leaving care centres can transition to independent living with adequate support. During the visit, the current situation and challenges were closely examined.

The SOS Children’s Village implements programs that:

·         Support families to prevent child institutionalization,

·         Provide child care in environments similar to family settings, and

·         Prepare youths for independent living by helping them acquire a profession, access rental housing, and establish their own households upon reaching adulthood.

The Önör Bul Children’s Centre provides care services for children aged 2–18, operating under mandates from the mayors of Ulaanbaatar’s 9 districts and 21 aimags.

Deputy Minister B.Solongoo noted that if local authorities provide targeted support to families in need, fewer children would require placement in care centres, highlighting the need to strengthen family support and improve relevant legal frameworks.

Additionally, the centres emphasized the urgent need for long-term psychological support services for children, requesting that dedicated psychologist positions be established to meet this demand.