The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago describes as inaccurate, allegations that it
failed to provide adequately for a child who was in its care, before the child turned 18. The
allegation was made during a Facebook post on Wednesday 5th January, 2022.
The Authority considers the allegation to be unfortunate, given the time taken in
collaborating with the family regarding the care of the child and in making several
interventions, which were all done to give the child the best possible opportunity to achieve
new developmental milestones – with some successes.
The Authority worked tirelessly with several stakeholders in the best interest of the child, to
provide psychiatric support, social interventions and therapy, in the context of the placement
that was provided. Several transition options were also explored, however since each child is
unique, the transition options that may be suitable for one child may not be suitable for
another.
The Authority also convened multi-agency meetings for continuous reviews of this case,
regularly providing the family with information and education on the child’s condition and
referrals to additional agencies that would continue to provide support.
The Authority notes that notwithstanding the actions taken by a member of the family to
remove the child from a facility, which was adequately providing for the child’s needs, it will
continue to work with partner agencies with responsibility for young adults.
The Authority recognises that great compassion is required when dealing with persons with
mental health challenges and that more collaboration and less blaming on the part of families
and communities will allow for the achievement of shared goals.