Making a Safe House as the first shelter for ODGJ and street children, is expected to be able to overcome social problems in society. According to Jayapura District Social Service Head Arry Deda, Jayapura District does not yet have a place or rehabilitation center for ODGJ or street children. Thus, Jayapura Government builds Safe House for ODGJ and homeless children.
ODGJ is an Indonesian term for those who struggle with mental health issues, specifically for those who are unable to support themselves and need to get treatment.
While homeless children are those, who do not have guardians to take care of them, many of them end up homeless because there is not enough orphanage in Jayapura.
To solve these issues, the government plans to create a Safe House to accommodate ODGJ/PLWHA and homeless children. They will create separate programs for both of them.
The Problem with ODGJ and Homeless Children
Based on the data, until now, there has been no data related to this matter. However, the reality in urban centers is that public service places are different. Even on the streets, many ODGJ and street children have not received serious attention from the government.
Also, not many Papua mental health institutions will allow people with mental health issues to get proper treatment.
“The treatment is not so routine. Usually, they are immediately referred to the Regional Mental Hospital in Abepura,” said Jayapura District Social Service Head, Arry Deda, when contacted at Sentani Friday (7/4/2023).
He continued that when cases or reports were received from the public, his party immediately wrote to the Regional Mental Hospital (RSJ) for further handling.
According to him, several cases had been reported. However, the reported patients would appear again in public places.
Hence, it shows that the hospital cannot handle all mental patients. They still cannot give homes to all the people needing help and shelter outside.
As for the Papuan homeless children usually do not have parents or are abandoned by their families. They roam around the city. Mostly in groups, they do small stuff on the street to feed themselves.
Seeing how these problems arise and create potential discomfort for the public.
The Progress of The Program
The coaching program for ODGJ and street children is the most important part of the Social Service. Therefore, the current planning is through the Safe House as a shelter and rehabilitation place.
The Social Services Minimum Service Standards (SPM) as a means of rehabilitation for ODGJ and street children are the main programs of the Jayapura Safe House.
Deda explained that social rehabilitation is one of the duties and functions of social services. Before getting full rehabilitation, the shelters will take care of them.
To accomplish this, the social service needs collaboration with the police, Satpol PP, Health Office, and DPPPA, who are also important in handling.
The first step they take is using shophouses located around the Jayapura Police Headquarters, Doyo Baru, Waibhu District, in Jayapura Regency.
The building is currently under renovation. Soon, it will form a ward and facilities for training areas, halls, offices, kitchens, etc. The number of tenants will follow the capacity of the building.
The existence of the Safe House will remain under the supervision of the Social Service. Thus, Deda, as the head of Social Services, mentioned how the supervision is mainly under them and not the police.
As Jayapura Government builds safe house for ODGJ and homeless children and creates a better place for them, it will increase the wellness and make it more peaceful for the city.
