Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the 2025 Annual Performance Report of the National Office for Child and Family Services (NOCFS), presented in Parliament today by Community Development, Religion and Youth Minister Hon. Jason Peter, saying the report demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Papua New Guinea’s children and strengthening families.
Prime Minister Marape said the report provided an honest assessment of the country’s progress in child protection while identifying practical steps needed to improve services for vulnerable children across the nation.
“I commend Minister Jason Peter and the National Office for Child and Family Services for producing a comprehensive report that reflects both the achievements and challenges of protecting our nation’s children,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“This report reminds us that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment. Investing in our children is investing in the future of Papua New Guinea.”
The Prime Minister welcomed the report’s key achievements, including the establishment of the National Office for Child and Family Services as a fully functioning statutory authority, the revival of the National Child and Family Services Council, the expansion of provincial child protection services, and the training of more than 160 frontline child protection officers.
He also acknowledged the Office’s handling of more than 800 child protection cases and over 2,300 general welfare cases during 2025, describing it as evidence of both the growing demand for services and the dedication of officers working under difficult circumstances.
Prime Minister Marape said the report’s identification of 235 street-connected children in the National Capital District highlighted the urgency of strengthening child welfare interventions nationwide. “No child should be left without protection, care or hope,” he said.
“The Government recognises the increasing pressures faced by vulnerable children and families, and we remain committed to ensuring that appropriate services reach those most in need.”The Prime Minister welcomed the report’s proposed priorities, including the full implementation of the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015, the establishment of a national Child and Family Service Centre in Port Moresby, stronger provincial and district child protection structures, and improved coordination between government agencies.
He said these initiatives aligned with his Government’s broader vision of building stronger institutions that deliver practical services to ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“The report does not simply identify problems—it provides a clear pathway forward,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I fully support the priorities outlined by Minister Jason Peter and call on all levels of government, churches, civil society organisations and development partners to work together to ensure every child is protected and given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.”
Prime Minister Marape said the report also reflected Papua New Guinea’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind as the nation enters its next 50 years of independence.
“Our future prosperity will depend on how well we care for our children today,” he said.
“I commend Minister Jason Peter, the National Office for Child and Family Services and all those working on the frontlines of child protection for their dedication. Together, we will continue strengthening our child protection system and building a safer, stronger Papua New Guinea for every child.”