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.