E. Family environment and alternative care 29. The Committee notes with appreciation the recognition of the right to suitable family environment and alternative care provided under the CPWA; development of Early Childhood Development standards; the material, psychosocial and parenting education support given to parents and the steps taken toward improving accessibility and quality of childhood care and education (ECCE) services. However, the Committee is concerned about the high rate of orphaned children due to HIV/AIDS most of whom are placed in residential care institutions with limited supervision and monitoring. The Committee also notes with concern that 10-15% of families in the country are child headed and that there is lack of data on the situation of child headed households. The Committee recommends the State Party to undertake the following measures in this regard. i. Provide the necessary support to families affected by HIV/AIDS to prevent loss of the family environment; ii. Periodically monitor and evaluate the situation of children in alternative care institutions; iii. De-institutionalize and reduce the numbers of children in residential care by placing them into foster care and kinship care; iv. Increase the number of social workers providing services to children deprived of family environment; v. Provide special protection and support to child headed families through social cash transfer program and other means; vi. Undertake data collection and assessment of the situation of children in alternative care centres, informal care settings and child headed households for an informed planning and intervention; and vii. Expedite the adoption of the draft national standards and guidelines on foster care and kinship care. 30. The Committee notes with appreciation the establishment of an Adoption Committee under the CPWA and a mechanism to ensure safe placement of children taking in to account their best interest, however, the Committee is concerned that this has not yet become operational awaiting the adoption of a regulation. The Committee recommends the State Party to expedite the adoption of the regulation and to align the regulation with the Charter and other relevant instruments. 31. The Committee notes with concern that Inter-Country Adoption has been put on hold pending approval of the draft regulations and guidelines. The Committee recommends the State Party to expedite the adoption of the draft regulations and guidelines and ensure that inter-country adoptions are regulated and undertaken as a measure of last resort. 10