with Special Needs (HPSN) that provides institutionalized care for geriatric and elderly psychiatric patients, found four adolescent children transferred from Kuda Kudhinge Hiyaa as psychiatric patients who were in fact children with behavioral issues.82 HRCM also looked into an abuse case of a minor, institutionalized in HPSN. Presently the case is sent for prosecution following investigation by police. 53. Education Training Centre for Children (ETCC) primarily focuses on vocational and educational training for boys aged 9 to 18 years. Although the center was operating under Ministry of Education (MoE) it was shifted to MoLG in 2013 to ensure that its’ functioning is in accordance with Minimum Standards for Children’s Homes. The center remains closed for renovation since 2013 and children were transferred back to their caretakers. For various reasons parents not in a position to take care of their sons, sent them to this center in collaboration with Gender Ministry and MPS.83 In 2013 center accommodated 30 children aged 10 to 18 years.84It is disheartening to know that many children in the center were not aware by their families’ intentions to send them to ETCC.85 54. NPM’s visit to ETCC in 2013 found neither children’s case files transferred with them, nor their initial assessment, medical nor psychological evaluations were undertaken. Although the center focused on vocational programs their quality were not adequate to provide reintegration into society.86 The center also felt short to conduct programs that focused on conduct and behavior of children.87 NPM also found that while there was no proper monitoring mechanism within the center and supervision efforts by MoE remained poor.88 And it was alarming that children in the center were subjected to physical abuse by staff. Appropriate action against the staff was taken when HRCM informed MoE on this matter.89 55. HRCM is aware that currently there are three boys accommodated under state care at ETCC although this center has not been formally declared open. The committee may wish to ask the government 1. The reason for the delay in strengthening the legislative framework on children under state care. 2. The budget allocated and utilized for children under state care (Kuda Kudhinge Hiyaa (2008 to 2013) and Amaan Hiyaa). 3. The number of qualified caretakers in institutions supporting children under state care. 4. Details of capacity building programs conducted for care takers of children under state care (2008‐ 2013). 5. The statistics on the number children accommodated in 4 shelters based in the islands. 6. Measures taken to increase psychosocial support provided to all children under state care. 7. The present status of accommodating adolescent boys under state care. 8. Grounds on which government decided to accommodate 2 girls from Kuda Kudhinge Hiyaa transferred to Maafushi Prison in 2013. 9. Procedures in place to deal with children with disabilities under state care 10. Measures taken to ensure the right to education for children under state care Page 13 of 39