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.