2024

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns the actions of a man seen physically and verbally abusing a child in a video circulating on social media. Once the video came to the Authority’s attention, the customary procedures were put in place, and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service was immediately contacted.

In thanking the public for bringing attention to this incident, Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority advised that the Authority’s Emergency Response Team was activated. “Our team is conducting a full investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. The investigation includes engaging the family and members of the community, and this is being conducted in conjunction with the Police.”

Mr. Cyrus appeals to parents and caregivers to consider the following as we rethink and reframe our approach to discipline, for the sake of our children:

• Reinforce boundaries and expectations of behaviour
• Reward good behaviours
• Administer consequences for undesirable actions immediately or close in time to the infraction, and in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate and proportionate to the infraction
• Discuss with your child the inappropriate behaviour you want to see changed
• Use time-out or take away privileges from children: such as games, devices, outdoor events or playing with friends for a short period of time
• Avoid disciplining children when angry as heightened emotions can make matters worse. Instead, walk away, take deep breaths and try talking to your child about the unacceptable behaviour when you have calmed down
• Seek professional help, especially when dealing with children who may be displaying challenging behaviours

The Children’s Authority reminds personsthat they can report abuse to the Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999 and reach out to the following agencies for support:

• The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
• The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
• The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
• Childline: 131

The three boys who absconded from a Children’s Home last week are in the care of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the safe return of the boys is yet another indication of the Authority’s principle that ‘Child protection is everybody’s business’.”

Mr. Cyrus adds that the Authority thanks the public for their assistance in the safe return of the children. In particular, the Authority thanks activist Ms. Kezel Jackson for her diligence in helping return two children to the attention of the Police on Monday. He notes that the third child was located today by the Authority.

He says that as part of the Authority’s process, the children will receive the relevant medical and psychosocial interventions to address any trauma they may have experienced. The Authority has already begun its investigation to determine how the children were able to leave the facility. This inquiry will also address any allegations by the children, as well as review the safety and security measures at the Home.

The Authority is aware that at a news conference on social media today, Ms. Jackson made certain allegations against the Authority, with regard to the children’s care. The Authority takes these allegations very seriously and assures the public that they will form part of the investigation.

Mr. Cyrus said, “While we appreciate the effort and interest Ms. Jackson has shown for the children, it cannot be at the expense of impugning the character and integrity of the people who work at the Children’s Authority and all the people who work in the child protection system. Ms. Jackson is the leader of a political party and a civilian, not a legal guardian of the children involved. These children, as minors, remain wards of the Court and as such are
entitled to certain rights and privacy. It is therefore not a ‘right’ of any member of the public to have ready access to these children, who, as she herself indicated, have already been traumatised by the experience.”

The Authority also takes this opportunity to clarify that its Hotline number 996 is available 24/7. The public is strongly encouraged to contact this number, if they suspect a child is in need of care and protection. Additionally, the Police may be contacted at 999.

With the end of the school year and the July-August vacation period about to begin, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is urging parents and guardians to make child safety a top priority.

While this is a time for leisure, fun and exploration, there is a need for all adults to remain watchful, and safeguard all children from abuse, maltreatment and physical harm. The Authority notes that, as a result of the changes to the routines of children during the vacation period and a lack of adequate supervision and caregiver awareness, children are more vulnerable to accidents, harm and abuse. Therefore, parents and guardians are encouraged to make suitable arrangements for the care of children during their vacation.

For those who would be participating in camp or organised group activities, parents and guardians should enquire from organisers about the arrangements in place to ensure child safety. The Authority advises that teaching children how to protect themselves from abuse is a vital step in ensuring their protection. It is highly recommended that parents and guardians keep an open line of communication, so children feel comfortable in disclosing any incidents that may have occurred.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, encourages persons in positions of trust, to report all instances of abuse and maltreatment towards children. Mr. Cyrus says, “we all have a role in safeguarding our nation’s children, as child abuse is not just a family issue but a societal problem that requires our collective response”.

He adds that the following should be observed to keep children safe:

• Teach children about consent, which includes:
– No one has a right to touch their body
– Ok and Not Ok touches
– It’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members

• Know who is supervising your child when he/she is spending time away from home.
– Ask about sleeping arrangements
– Ask who frequents the household
– Ask about firearms and other weapons
– Ask about safety plans

Monitor your child’s friendships, especially with adults who repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.

• Be aware of your child’s online activity. Be alert to changes in behaviour, as sudden changes in a child’s behaviour or emotional state, may indicate a problem.
• 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.
• Ensure that potential hazards at home are well-stored and kept out of the reach of children.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.

The Authority encourages parents and guardians to spend time in fun-filled activities with their children during the holidays.

For more tips, visit the Authority’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business”. To report any incident or suspicion of abuse, contact the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) is aware of media reports of alleged abuses by a minor against other children at a Children’s Home in Central Trinidad. The Authority is working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to determine all the facts.

The Authority has provided psychosocial support and medical care to the minor and this support and care will continue. The Authority has also taken steps to safeguard the children in this matter.

The Authority takes seriously all reports of abuse involving children in care and will continue to ensure that such reports are thoroughly investigated. There is need, however, to maintain the safety and confidentiality of the personal details of children in this matter. As such, the Authority will not divulge any details of the child’s case.

The Authority also takes the opportunity to remind the public of the protocols and laws governing the rights of the child and their privacy, when making public statements, especially where these statements have not been officially corroborated.

The collaborative efforts of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and concerned citizens, have led to locating a child, who was seen in a video being choked by a woman.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says “the child will be placed in the care of suitable and responsible relatives and the Authority will monitor the child’s placement to ensure the child’s needs are met”.

Mr. Cyrus adds that the collaboration between the Authority and the Police is just one example of the National Interagency Protocol for Child Abuse Prevention and Management (NIPCAPM) at work. He says, “the Protocol seeks to ensure the continuous collaboration and coordination across the child protection and welfare system to prevent, report and investigate all matters related to child abuse and maltreatment”.

Mr. Cyrus says, “the Authority will continue to conduct public education and awareness campaigns to heighten public engagement about the need to protect our nation’s most vulnerable”.

The public is reminded to report all incidents of child abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is working with its partners in the child protection system to provide more timely services to children and their families.

The Authority recently conducted a training session with the National Family Services Division of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services in the operations of the Primero Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+). The System is a web-based platform that streamlines the processing of cases, including registration, assessments and referrals.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says “in this technological age, we are moving away from a paper-based environment to a digital platform that will bolster the services provided to children and their families”. He adds that “through this initiative, the Authority can seamlessly share information on a child with the relevant stakeholder agencies, thereby providing the necessary interventions”.

Staff of the National Family Services Division, who received the training, say this is a step in the right direction as the response time to cases will be faster. They note that through this type of collaboration, they can further deliver on their mission “to promote healthy family functioning through the provision of preventive, developmental and remedial programmes and services”.

Primero CPIMS+ was established in Trinidad and Tobago through the UNICEF-EU Spotlight Initiative and is a secure web-based application that allows caseworkers to have a complete picture of each child they serve and to determine the intervention best suited to their needs.

For more information on the Primero Child Protection Information Management System go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdfeuYl1T1s

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is deeply saddened by today’s horrific and brutal murder of a child. Domestic violence continues to be a significant issue that goes beyond the primary victims as it impacts the entire family.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “children are not to be used as bargaining chips in relationships or as collateral to sway an argument”. He notes that, “some persons continue to treat children as objects, things with which they can do as they please instead of treating them as actual human beings full of promise and potential. Persons are reminded that acts of violence against children are illegal and the Authority stands ready to assist the TTPS and the Courts to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Mr. Cyrus notes that “while it is not easy for victims of domestic violence to reach out when they need help, I urge them to do so. I also want to encourage their friends and family members to make reports if they are aware of what is going on in the home”. The Authority says that, oftentimes, it has been observed that domestic violence and child abuse are linked but in order to safeguard the children, people must do the needful. Children become the unintended victims and this can be prevented.

The Authority’s Director/CEO is reiterating his appeal to parents, caregivers and families to seek support if they are experiencing challenges. Some of the agencies that may be contacted include:
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists: 717-8827
The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
Childline: 131

As the Authority recognises April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, it reminds that child abuse is preventable and we all have a duty to speak up against it.

Reports of abuse should be made to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.