THE selection process of adoptive parents is tightened to ensure that they are qualified and suitable, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri.

She said a new guidelines introduced as a reference to evaluate eligible guardians of children.

“These guidelines were created to ensure the placement suitability of children under adoptive parents or people who are qualified and suitable (OYLS).

“Under these guidelines, the Department of Social Welfare has introduced a screening system for the Personality Psychological Assessment (Tajma), which is a psychological measurement tool designed to provide scientific data about an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behavior,” she said when launching the new guideline book here today.

Nancy said through the assessment, the suitability of adoptive parents in regards to the care and protection of children can be examined in more detail.

Nancy said state-level Child Placement Panel Committee for OYLS had also been created and chaired by the state Social Welfare directors to ensure the suitability of the placement taking into account various aspects.

She said the ministry through the department had handled a total of 6,781 cases involving abuse (physical, sexual, emotional abuse) and neglect, last year.

“To date, a total of 185 assistant community development officers have been appointed and gazetted in the first phase of 2021 and the appointment of 158 officers will continue in 2023,” she added. – Bernama, March 11, 2023.