Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre opened

Nine juveniles from the age of 13 to 17 have a new home and are residents of the new Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre in Samabula.

The boys previously stayed at the Old Boys Centre at Domain Road in Suva.

Opening the new centre this morning, Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said the State cares for our children and they are gifts from God.

Luveni said the juveniles and street kids will be accommodated and receive counseling in the Centre and once their skills are identified and utilized, they will still be monitored before they live the Centre.

She said that the Public Service Commission provided the funding and the Military and Correctional Services helped in the renovation of the Centre.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director Social Welfare Ela Tukutukulevu said three of the juveniles are on committal, meaning they have been charged and sentenced for minor offences, but because of their young age, they are kept at the Centre.

Four Welfare Officers are based at the Centre to look after the juveniles.