THE standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) pilot project is aimed at ensuring the well-being of children in immigration detention centres, says Deputy Home Minister II Datuk Jonathan Yasin.

       A pre-council meeting between the Home Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will be held on Dec 23 to finalise the matter, he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       The SOP framework for ATD will be developed immediately with the involvement of appointed non-governmental organisations to ensure all important elements such as proper care are taken into account when protecting children, he told Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang), Bernama reported.

       She was asking on plans outlined by the government to manage mental health issues among children in detention centres.