CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY INVESTIGATES REPORTS OF ABUSE AT A CHILDREN’S HOME
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.
CHILD SEEN IN VIDEO BEING CHOKED PLACED IN THE CARE OF RELATIVES
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.