All Reports of Abuse at Children’s Homes Investigated by Children’s Authority

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago assures the public that it remains concerned about all allegations of child abuse. Consequently, once the Authority receives an allegation relating to sexual or physical abuse at a Children’s Home, that matter is referred to the Police for criminal investigation while the Authority conducts a psycho-social investigation.

As indicated in a viral social media video, the Authority did investigate an allegation of grooming of children by a staff member at the St. Jude’s Home for Girls. This was conducted by the Licensing and Monitoring Unit. The Authority also noted the action taken by the Management of the Home to protect the children in their care.

The Authority advises that it is mandated to licence and monitor Children’s Homes and conduct regular announced and unannounced monitoring visits to the Homes. Human resource issues at the Homes are addressed exclusively by the Management and Board of each Home.

The Authority maintains its commitment to working with all Homes to ensure that they provide for the safety, security and welfare of the children in their care. Although social media provides an opportunity to share information and opinions, the Authority urges the public to maintain the privacy and anonymity of children who have been abused or are at risk of abuse.

Meanwhile, the public is reminded that any concerns about the welfare of a child should be reported to the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or to the Police at 999.

The Authority assures that it will continue to seek the best interest of children and reiterates that “Child Protection is Everybody’s Business”

Children’s Authority & IDB Partner to Establish Digital Corner at Eastern Boys Government Primary & Raise Awareness about Child Safety

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is set to impact the learning and digital access of 250 boys attending Eastern Boys Government Primary School with the establishment of a digital corner. CATT and IDB launched the digital corner October 31 at the Eastern Boys’ Government Primary School in Port-of-Spain and provided the keen students with laptop computers. The Digital Corner is in keeping with IDB’s new country strategy for Trinidad and Tobago which seeks to improve the business environment to enable digital transformation, enhance the delivery of services and importantly, improve educational outcomes and digital skills in the country.

Sergio Rios, Chief of Operation at IDB stated he hoped the students will continue to learn and develop more online skills but he stressed that more children needed to be aware of the challenges of the internet including cyberbullying, identity theft and the misuse of information. He said the expectation was that children will learn to utilise the power of technology but they should navigate the online world safely.

The Digital Corner was part of a larger project, sponsored by IDB and executed by CATT and aimed at creating awareness on online safety and particularly online grooming. The campaign also sought to teach children and the general public to recognise the strategies used by perpetrators and groomers, stimulate behavioural change against cultural norms of physical and sexual abuse and educate children on taking action to prevent and report abuse. Kitty Al Hosein-Garcia, Member of the Authority’s Board of Management said that this initiative brought the boys a step closer to fully exercising their right to an education while utilising technological tools. She hopes that the digital tools will result in improved teaching and eventual success in their studies. She added, “At the Children’s Authority, we believe that every child should live to see their full potential. Therefore, a child can only do so when they are protected from harm and neglect, when they are given the tools and resources required to succeed and when they are no longer recognised as the voiceless within our society and can exercise their right to be heard!” In alignment with IDB’s country strategy on digital transformation, both teachers and students will receive training to use the devices by the Authority’s Information Technology Unit.

About the Children’s Authority

Established in 2015, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago seeks to promote the best interest of children through advocacy, prevention, intervention and collaborative strategies based on multidisciplinary approaches. The Authority seeks to defend and support child rights and make child protection everybody’s business. Since 2015, the Authority has received and dealt with more than 31,000 reports of abuse in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

PHOTOS ATTACHED

• 7501951 – From left to right: Kitty Al Hosein-Garcia, Member of the Board of Management of the Children’s Authority, Sergio Rios, IDB’s Chief of Operation makes the presentation to Gillian Frank, Teacher I at the Eastern Boy’s Government Primary School.

• 7502002 – Students of the Easten Boy’s Government Primary School use the laptops provided at the school’s Digital Corner.

 

At-Risk Boys at Children’s Authority Child Support Centre receive Psychosocial Support from Ministry of Youth Development & National Services

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has partnered with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, to develop a programme to assist the teenage boys at one of its Child Support Centres. This collaboration is aimed at fulfilling the Authority’s mandate of rehabilitating children who come to the attention of the Authority.

The program commenced in July 2022 and is specifically geared towards addressing the psychosocial needs of teenage boys who exhibit challenging behaviours and are deemed to be at-risk. It includes positive mentorship and reinforcement, and career guidance to allow for positive character development and growth.

In 2022, the Authority has noted an increase in the complexity of cases reported on a daily basis and the need for an all of Government approach in responding to the needs of children. More than 80 boys have been referred to the Authority for rehabilitation and this represents an increase over previous years, a trend that is of concern to the Authority.
Sharon Morris-Cummings, Director (Ag) at the Authority, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for its collaboration and contribution which has already begun to yield positive changes in the behaviour and character of the boys.

Mrs. Morris-Cummings also commended other Ministries and Agencies including the Military Led Academic Training (MILAT) programme which continue to partner with the Authority to provide a more holistic response to the issue of child abuse in Trinidad and Tobago. She added that she was also heartened by the announcement by the Minister for Youth Development and National Service on the re-opening of the St Michaels Home for Boys which will provide a safe and rehabilitative space for boys who must be received into care.

Violence Threatening the Safety and Lives of our Children

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago condemns the incidents of gun violence which have left several children nursing severe gunshot injuries in recent months.
The Authority notes that the increase in gun violence within communities is a threat to the lives and safety of our country’s children. Recent reports indicate that while children were either enjoying playtime, paying respect to the dead or spending quality time with relatives, those periods of innocence, fun and everyday routines have been marred by gun violence, leaving children and their families traumatised.

These acts of violence also underscore the need for society to restore the “village” within our communities. Therefore, the Authority is appealing to the public to contact the relevant agencies including the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service if they are concerned about their safety. The gun violence pervading communities can leave parents, guardians and the country by extension, wondering how to keep children and families safe. While the Authority has been engaging the public through various mediums on how to prevent child abuse, greater dialogue and collaboration is now a necessity within communities and among agencies to determine how to stem this tide of violence and make our communities safe spaces for our children.

The Authority’s Emergency Response Team continues its outreach to affected families to provide support and the required psychosocial intervention and support. The Authority will continue to collaborate with its key stakeholders within the child protection sector to ensure the most favourable outcomes for our nation’s children.

The public is reminded to contact the following agencies for support:
• Childline: 131
• National Family Services: 623-2608 ext. 6705
• Children’s Authority: 996
• Trinidad and Tobago Police Service: 999
• Gender-Based Violence Unit: 555

Children’s Authority Equipped with Mobile Units

September 13, 2022

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has gone ‘mobile!’

With the support of Republic Bank through its Power to Make a Difference Program, the Authority’s community outreach initiative, has received a timely boost with the donation of two (2) buses, one for use in Trinidad and one for use in Tobago. This will enable the Authority to have a greater presence in communities across Trinidad and Tobago, to receive reports of abuse and to sensitise communities on child abuse prevention.

Facilitating the handover of the buses were the Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister – Gender and Child Affairs, Dr. Carol Logie, Chairman of the Board of Management, Sharon Morris-Cummings Director Acting at the Children’s Authority and Preston George, General Manager, Group Human Resources and Auriol Small, Area Manager, Tobago from Republic Bank.

The Authority’s Chairman, Dr. Carol Logie welcomed the support of Republic Bank and expressed the hope that this gesture will encourage other like-minded corporate sponsors to collaborate with the Authority and to assist in furthering its mandate, bearing in mind that ‘child protection is everybody’s business’.

Sharon Morris-Cummings, thanking Republic Bank for its contribution, said the buses will assist in strengthening the Authority’s public education programmes to empower children, their families and communities in fighting the scourge of child abuse. In this regard, she said it was critical that the Authority’s reach beyond social media and traditional media was strengthened to effectively engage underserved communities on anti-child abuse messages and information on strengthening the care and protection mechanisms for children.

 

From Right to Left: The Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime
Minister, Gender and Child Affairs, Preston George, General Manager, Group Human Resources from
Republic Bank Limited, Dr. Carol Logie, Chairman of the Board of Management and Sharon Morris-Cummings, Director Acting of the Children’s Authority.

 

Media Release

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is saddened by the death of 7-year-old McKenzie Hope Rechia, who was found at her home in Palo Seco last week Friday.

The Authority received a report with respect to the child and the case management process was initiated. In addition, a report was sent to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

While the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are still under investigation, the Authority will continue to work with its partners in the child protection system, to optimise care and protection of the nation’s children.

Children’s Authority Endorses U-Report Tool To Obtain Views Of Nation’s Youth

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago joins the call by the Minister of Gender and Child Affairs, Ayanna Webster-Roy and UNICEF, and encourages the youth across the country to use the social messaging tool U-Report. Developed by UNICEF, U-Report provides a valuable platform for the voice of the youth, connecting and empowering them as they speak on and exchange information about issues that matter to them.

U-Report is a free social monitoring tool for community participation, designed to address issues that young people care about. According to UNICEF, this mobile empowerment programme connects young people all over the world to information that will change their lives and influence their decisions.

Through U-Report, youth can provide valuable information when reporting on what’s happening in their communities, and with it help improve their own lives and that of their peers and families. Polls and alerts are sent out to U-Reporters and real-time response information is collected. Results and ideas are shared back with the community.1 The U-Report WhatsApp number is 296-7723.

Sharon Morris-Cummings, acting Director of the Authority said: “The increasing incidents of violence against children, the number of children being brought before the Courts for reasons including challenging behaviours, and the increasing number of children with mental health issues, all speak to some of the sensitive and traumatic experiences of our children. Providing more and better opportunities for them to have their voices heard, can only redound to the national benefit.”

The Authority will continue to advocate for the voice of the child and welcomes all initiatives aimed at giving children a voice so they can achieve their full potential. Their voice is critical in identifying challenges and creating solutions for the complex issues which confront them. Therefore, the Authority commends the use of this platform which in effect amplifies the opportunities for the voice of the child to be heard.

The public is reminded that concerns about the care and protection of children should be reported to the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.

Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and UNHCR support family reunification of Venezuelan girl with her family in Brazil

Trinidad and Tobago – The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, helped reunite a Venezuelan teenager with her parents in Brazil, following a year-long separation.

On Tuesday, July 5, 15-year-old Josbelis, accompanied by a caseworker from the Children’s Authority, departed Piarco International Airport early in the morning, and a few hours later that evening landed at the Brasilia International Airport in Brazil– straight into the arms of her waiting father.

Sharon Morris-Cummings, Acting Director of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, said, “Our guiding principle is that children thrive best when they are in familial environments. Therefore, we were very pleased to play an integral role, alongside other key stakeholders in the child protection system, to reunite this child with her family. Strategic collaboration with our partners can lead to positive outcomes for the children who need our care and protection, as well as for their families. The Authority will continue to work with stakeholders in support of children and to strengthen families in Trinidad and Tobago.”

UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago’s Head of Protection, Amanda Solano, said, “Finding solutions through complementary pathways is important. Family reunification is a long-term solution for refugees, and we are happy to help in any way we can. This is an example of a successful family reunification and how governments, the international community and national organisations can work together to provide protection for refugees and migrants.”

Getting Josbelis to Brazil required close co-ordination among the Children’s Authority, UNHCR, governments, airlines and international organizations,
including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which provided her with an Emergency Travel Document.

Josbelis arrived alone in Trinidad and Tobago in 2021. As a child, her situation was particularly vulnerable. She was placed under the care of the Children’s Authority, whose mission was to find a way to get her back safely to her parents.

UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago reached out to the Children’s Authority after learning of Josbelis’ situation through its network of contacts and partners, including the Living Water Community. This network, which includes stakeholders from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, international humanitarian organisations and local NGOs, works together closely to ensure refugee and migrant children are protected according to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Keep Children Safe During The School Vacation

As the school year ends, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, urges parents and guardians to keep children safe during the school holidays.

The Authority notes that children are more vulnerable to accidents, harm and abuse during vacation periods, as a result of their changed routines, and a general lack of adequate supervision and caregiver awareness. Therefore, parents and guardians are encouraged to make suitable arrangements for the care of their children during the July-August vacation.

While holiday and sporting camps provide excellent vacation activities, parents and guardians should enquire from organisers about safety measures being implemented to keep children safe from abuse. The Authority notes that teaching children how to protect themselves from abuse is important. Parents and guardians should also keep an open line of communication, so children feel comfortable disclosing any incidents that may have occurred.

Over the past seven years, the Authority has noted that over 70 percent of all reports received, fall within the categories of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, with children under the age of 13 being the most vulnerable. Parents and guardians, therefore, are encouraged to be mindful of the following, as they seek to keep their children safe:
• Teach children Ok and Not Ok touches and that their body is their own and no one has a right to touch their body.
• Teach children that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members.
• Know who is supervising your child.
• Ask about sleeping arrangements and who frequents the household, when children are spending time away from home.
• Be aware of your child’s online activity.
• Monitor your child’s friendships, especially with adults who repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.
• Utilise non-physical forms of discipline to reduce incidents of physical abuse.
• Keep a watchful eye on children at the beach, river and pool, and secure open containers of water at home.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Ensure that potential hazards at home are well-stored and kept out of the reach of children.
• Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.
• Safely participate in the various fun and sporting activities offered for children during the vacation time!

For more tips, go to the Authority’s Facebook page or contact the National Family Services Division, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services at 623-2608 ext. 6701 to 6711.

The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business.” Therefore, we all have a duty to keep our children safe and to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.