April 2024

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.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says through its collaboration with the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, two children seen in a video being mistreated by a woman, have been taken into care.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the organisation’s Emergency Response Team joined Police Officers, after reports were made about the incident to the Authority’s Hotline”. He notes that, “once again the public must be commended for bringing the incident to the attention of the Authority, which has led to the removal of the children from imminent danger”. Mr. Cyrus notes that “the Authority is of the firm belief that children thrive best in a family environment and the removal of a child from his or her home is only initiated if the safety of the child is deemed to be at risk”.

The Authority’s Director/CEO is appealing 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.