2006 04: When in need, go only to registered homes

The Star online. News. Central. Wednesday April 12, 2006

IT IS good if the needy go to homes that have been registered with the relevant authorities. Out of desperation, however, many do not.

Selangor Welfare Department director Halijah Yahaya said the caretakers of charitable homes and day care centres had to register with not only the Registrar of Society, but also with their respective state welfare departments.

“Only then can we assist and protect the orphans or abandoned children should there be an abuse of power at the homes,'' she said.

Halijah said that though the Federal Welfare Department did the registration and the Director-General issued the licences, the recommendation would come from the state.

“So we, at the state level, will know who operates what homes and can monitor them at all times,'' she said, adding that state welfare officers would assist the homes in going through the process.

The management of registered homes would also have to be transparent with their accounts and activities.

The department also makes sure that the homes abide by the rules and regulations, including holding of meetings.

However, it is not compulsory for the homes to be registered with the welfare department. Rumah Jagaan Titian Kasih is one that has yet to be registered. Its application has yet to be approved by the department.