CRC/C/15/Add.142 page 6 4. Family environment and alternative care Children living in institutions 29. The Committee expresses its concern at the high number of children living in institutions, due mainly to the fact that children living in vulnerable families or with a very low income cannot be supported because of the lack of alternative care and of social assistance. 30. In light of articles 18 and 26 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to develop comprehensive measures to support vulnerable families with a view to assisting them in their child-rearing responsibilities, for instance by increasing various forms of social assistance to families or by securing child-care services and facilities to help them with their child-rearing. Child abuse and neglect 31. While noting the National Programme for the Prevention of Sexual Violence for 2000-2004, the Committee expresses its concern about the lack of data, appropriate measures and mechanisms and resources to prevent and combat domestic violence, including child sexual abuse. Further, child victims do not have the right to free legal assistance and the judicial procedure is not child-friendly, in particular because the child victims are subjected to repeated questioning. 32. In light of article 19 of the Convention, the Committee recommends that the State party undertake studies on domestic violence, ill-treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, to understand the extent, scope and nature of these practices, adopt adequate measures and policies, and contribute to changing attitudes. The Committee also recommends that cases of domestic violence and ill-treatment and abuse of children, including sexual abuse within the family, be properly investigated within a child-friendly inquiry and judicial procedure in order to ensure better protection of child victims, including the protection of their right to privacy. Measures should also be taken to provide support services to children in legal proceedings and for the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of the victims of rape, abuse, neglect, ill-treatment and violence, in accordance with article 39 of the Convention. Adoption 33. The Committee expresses its concern at the fact that the current legislation regulating adoption is out of date and does not guarantee adequate protection of the child involved, as recognized in the Convention. Further, as the procedures for adoption, in particular intercountry adoption, are complicated and as there is virtually no foster system available, it notes that a significant number of children are obliged to live in orphanages and institutions for long periods. 34. In light of article 21 and other related provisions of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State party to adopt the new legislation regarding adoption in order to simplify and expedite the procedures for adoption. Further, it recommends that the State party undertake measures to facilitate the creation of a foster care system with sufficient