The principles which underpin the execution of the Children’s Authority’s functions – the promotion of and respect for children’s rights – are enshrined within the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Consistent with these principles, a Package of Children’s Legislation initiated in 2000 formed the basis for the creation of the Children’s Authority. The pieces of legislation complement each other and provide for a robust system which brings Trinidad and Tobago in conformity with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The mandate of the Children’s Authority is derived directly from the legislation. As such, the organisation will be responsible for, inter alia:
- Receiving and investigating reports of mistreatment of children
- Making applications to the Court for the protection and placement of children received into the care of the Authority
- Establishing and maintaining places of safety, assessment and support centres, and reception centres
- Establishing and operating a foster care system
- Assuming conduct of the adoption process
- Establishing standards for community residences, foster care and nurseries
- Monitoring children’s community residences, foster care providers, and nurseries
- Issuing and revoking licences for community residences and nurseries
- Supporting the youth justice system
- Providing assistance to the Counter-Trafficking Unit in respect of child victims
- Maintaining complete records