The National Assembly last night passed a bill that will see the establishment of a Childcare and Protection Agency that will oversee care facilities for vulnerable children, as well as supervise homes and closely monitor adoptions.

The legislation had the support of the opposition parties, although they wanted to have the bill sent to a select committee where it could be improved before it was passed by the National Assembly.

The new agency will also be tasked with providing counselling and basic services for children in need of care and protection, including those especially vulnerable, like orphans, children infected with or affected by HIV and children with mental or physical disabilities.

The body is expected to function under the oversight of the Rights of the Child Commission.