The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has partnered with the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, to develop a programme to assist the teenage boys at one of its Child Support Centres. This collaboration is aimed at fulfilling the Authority’s mandate of rehabilitating children who come to the attention of the Authority.
The program commenced in July 2022 and is specifically geared towards addressing the psychosocial needs of teenage boys who exhibit challenging behaviours and are deemed to be at-risk. It includes positive mentorship and reinforcement, and career guidance to allow for positive character development and growth.
In 2022, the Authority has noted an increase in the complexity of cases reported on a daily basis and the need for an all of Government approach in responding to the needs of children. More than 80 boys have been referred to the Authority for rehabilitation and this represents an increase over previous years, a trend that is of concern to the Authority.
Sharon Morris-Cummings, Director (Ag) at the Authority, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for its collaboration and contribution which has already begun to yield positive changes in the behaviour and character of the boys.
Mrs. Morris-Cummings also commended other Ministries and Agencies including the Military Led Academic Training (MILAT) programme which continue to partner with the Authority to provide a more holistic response to the issue of child abuse in Trinidad and Tobago. She added that she was also heartened by the announcement by the Minister for Youth Development and National Service on the re-opening of the St Michaels Home for Boys which will provide a safe and rehabilitative space for boys who must be received into care.