Month: July 2025

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and ChildLine have strengthened their partnership through the integration of ChildLine into the Primero Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+). This collaboration aims to streamline case management and deliver more effective, coordinated support to children requiring care and protection.

The integration connects ChildLine’s services with the web-based platform managed by the Children’s Authority, enabling seamless processing of cases from initial registration through assessment and referral stages.

Mr. Leevun Solomon, Programme Coordinator at ChildLine says, “This integration underscores our shared commitment to improving case management, strengthening coordination among key stakeholders, and ensuring timely, confidential, and effective support for children in need”.

He adds that, “The initiative addresses a longstanding critical challenge in child protection, by reducing the risk of retraumatisation of children who previously had to share their experiences multiple times across different agencies and systems”. Mr. Solomon adds that, “ChildLine commends the Authority for its leadership in advancing this important effort and looks forward to deepening our collaboration in
safeguarding every child’s right to protection, dignity, and care”.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Authority, emphasises the importance of sector-wide partnership: “Collaboration among stakeholders in the child protection sector is imperative to ensure that children who come to our attention are adequately supported and that all necessary actions are taken to achieve the best possible outcomes”.

The Director/Chief Executive Officer notes that the Authority is actively engaging other stakeholders in the sector, to create a comprehensive support network. He states that, “We are committed to transforming our child services to better protect and rehabilitate children, protect them from abuse, and significantly strengthen families and communities”. He notes that, “Our goal is to ensure that no child falls through the cracks and that agencies can respond to each case in the most efficient and effective manner possible”.

The Primero CPIMS+ platform was established in Trinidad and Tobago through the UNICEF-EU Spotlight Initiative, representing a significant advancement in the country’s child protection infrastructure.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago reminds parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the care and protection of their children. The call comes as children will soon be on vacation over the July-August period.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to make the safety of their children a priority, as current data highlights the need for continued vigilance. According to Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, “based on reports the Authority receives, our nation’s children continue to be neglected. The data shows that neglect is the highest reported type of abuse, followed by sexual, physical and emotional abuse.”

Mr. Cyrus says “particularly concerning, is that the person who is reported as the alleged perpetrator is often known to the child. This reality makes it crucial for parents and guardians to leave their children only in the care of a trusted adult.”

With respect to activities children will attend during the vacation period, the Authority advises parents and guardians to thoroughly research camps and recreational events. They should ask questions about who are the staff working with the children, and the safety protocols in place, in the event of an emergency.

The public is also reminded to keep a watchful eye on children when at the beach, river or pool. Children should not be allowed to venture into or around bodies of water without an adult present.

• As we work towards keeping our children safe this July-August vacation, here are some additional tips:
• Teach children Ok and Not Ok touches and that their body is their own and no one has a right to touch their body.
• Teach children that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members.
• Monitor your child’s friendships, especially with adults who repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.
• Ask about sleeping arrangements and who frequents the household, when children are spending time away from home.
• Be aware of your child’s online activity.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Teach your child not to accept gifts, food, snacks or anything from strangers.
• Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.
• Children should know their name, their age, your name and address and who they should go to for help, if they are lost.
• Use non-physical forms of discipline when teaching children what is acceptable behaviour.

The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business”. Therefore, we all have a duty to keep our children safe and to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

Let’s work together and stay vigilant to ensure our children have a safe and enjoyable vacation.