Nepal begins stakeholder consultations on implementing international ICARE system for children

Sudurpaschim: Nepal has begun gathering stakeholder feedback on implementing the International Classification of Alternative Care (ICARE), a framework designed for children who are unable to live with their parents or guardians for various reasons.

At a provincial-level interaction held in Dhangadhi, Kailali, on Thursday, officials announced that the National Statistics Office (NSO), with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is working to introduce the ICARE system in Nepal and is seeking input from relevant stakeholders.

Dhundiraj Lamichhane, Deputy Head of the National Statistics Office, said the alternative care classification system aims to generate data that is internationally comparable while also meeting national requirements.

He said the initiative is expected to help consolidate information about children living in institutions such as orphanages, children’s homes, and temporary care facilities, while addressing existing gaps in data.

According to Lamichhane, UNICEF developed the international classification system for children’s alternative care, which was approved by the United Nations Statistical Commission in March 2026.

The statistical classification framework was introduced to address inconsistencies in data arising from differences in definitions and methodologies used across countries and to establish a basis for reliable, internationally comparable information.

Under the classification, alternative care for children is divided into three categories: family-based care, residential care, and independent living. The framework is intended to facilitate the collection of information on the types of care children receive, the number of children in care, the services and facilities available to them, and changes in their circumstances over time.

Presenting a working paper at the interaction, Prithvi Bijayraj Sijapati, Director at the National Statistics Office, outlined Nepal’s current status regarding the international classification of alternative care for children and the proposed roadmap for its implementation.

He said the Office would begin preliminary work to collect and classify data on institutions providing alternative care, promote consistent definitions and indicators across administrative records, surveys, and censuses, and improve overall data quality.

Sijapati also said plans would be proposed to generate and update data across all provinces in coordination with stakeholders working in the areas of women, children, and social security.

Speaking at the event, Gokarna Prakash Bhatta, Vice-Chair of the Sudurpaschim Province Policy and Planning Commission, stressed the need to ensure that the data is practical and useful. He said the statistical classification of children’s alternative care would support the implementation of necessary policies, plans, and programs.

Bhatta also emphasized the importance of cooperation among federal, provincial, and local governments, development partners, and non-governmental organizations in developing evidence-based policies, plans, and programs for children.

During the program, Statistics Officer Susmita Baral presented a paper on the status of children and related statistics in Nepal. Heads and representatives of relevant agencies also offered suggestions on making child-related data more practical and improving the effective implementation of the international classification of alternative care.