Fiji's Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has signed an agreement with the Salvation Army Fiji Division to strengthen support for vulnerable adolescent boys who have been removed from the streets.

Key points:

• An agreement between Fiji's government and the Salvation army will support the Kauwai Youth Restoration Services program
• The program works with boys aged 12 to 18 who are living on the streets or have recently been removed from the streets

The Memorandum of Agreement will support the Kauwai Youth Restoration Services program, which works with boys aged 12 to 18 who are living on the streets or have recently been removed from the streets.

The partnership will provide trauma healing, rehabilitation, counselling, education or skills training and pathways to employment to help boys recover and move towards stable lives.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the agreement was focused on boys who need long-term care and support.

"Many of these boys are facing very difficult circumstances," she said.

"Some are living on the streets, struggling with drug addiction, trauma and serious health issues.

"They need care, support and people who believe they can rebuild their lives."

The agreement is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the boys, reducing the risks they face on the streets, strengthening family support and helping more young people become self-reliant.

Government funding will support the program during June and July as part of an immediate response to the growing needs of vulnerable street-connected boys.

Ms Kiran thanked Salvation Army Fiji Division Divisional Commander Major Phillipa Serevi, Talatala Amani Waqetia and the Kauwai Youth Restoration Services team for their work with vulnerable children.

"Over the last two years we have worked closely with you, and I thank you for supporting 12 children in your care and expanding your services to include 12 more," Ms Kiran said.

"The program offered by Kauwai Youth Restoration Services is simple, realistic, and focused on what matters most: saving lives and keeping our boys healthy.

"Your passion and commitment have seen many young boys find their pathway into educational facilities and work force over the past two years and we thank you for expanding your capacity to take in more vulnerable youths."

Ms Kiran said the ministry was standing with Kauwai Youth Restoration Services and the Salvation Army to protect children who needed support.

The program also includes outreach work for boys who may not engage with formal support straight away. Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca said that approach was central to the response.

"Some boys need patience, understanding and ongoing engagement before they are ready to accept support," she said.

"This program allows outreach workers to meet them where they are, continue supporting them, and encourage them towards a safer and healthier future."

The partnership will focus on care and support for boys who have experienced trauma, health issues, addiction or family instability.

It will also support pathways into education, skills training and employment for young people who are ready to take those steps.

Ms Kiran said the support could help boys reconnect with health care, family and education.

"For a child living on the streets, receiving medical treatment, overcoming addiction, returning to family, or simply learning to trust again can change the direction of their life," she said.

"Every child deserves that chance."