Another forgotten child: Towards implementation of reforms to better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in alternative care settings in Sri Lanka

Providing Alternative Care to children, who are temporarily or permanently separated from their biological families or are at risk of losing parental care, is a globally acknowledged practice, as every child is entitled to special care and the opportunity to grow up in a family environment, to develop their full potential in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. Although these arrangements are anticipated to promote the well-being of children, and their healthy transformation and maturity into adulthood, the worrying prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse in Alternative Care settings remains a problem crippling these values and core objectives. According to the United Nations Guidelines, it is an obligation of the State to initiate appropriate measures to strengthen the Alternative Care System to ensure the best interest of children with a holistic approach. It is also a responsibility of the State to ensure the availability of a range of alternative care options, quality services and, of due authorization to individuals and entities, to provide a more coordinated service towards the overall care of the children. This paper, in such context, undertakes research seeking to optimize implementation reforms based upon international best practices, paving the way for a response to prevailing barriers and gate keeping challenges, and exploring a new model to make a difference in the lives of the children in Alternative Care Settings.