AGENCIES COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT CHILD VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

Agencies in the child protection sector have taken another step in their commitment to provide the best possible care and protection to children, particularly those who have been identified as victims of trafficking. This follows the signing of the Victims of Trafficking Process Manual for the Counter Trafficking Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the Immigration Division.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Authority says the National Interagency Protocol for Child Abuse Prevention and Management, which was launched earlier this year, has paved the way for this important collaboration. The Protocol he reminds, “directs agencies on how to collaborate and support each other, so that all actions are timely and effectively coordinated, in the best interest of the child”. Therefore, Mr. Cyrus notes that “the Victims of Trafficking Process Manual clarifies the pathway for victims of trafficking and unaccompanied migrant children to receive the support and intervention they require. It is a critical national advancement for more efficient victim care, as child protection is everybody’s business”.

Dr. Samantha Chaitram, Director of the Counter Trafficking Unit affirms, that “it is impossible for any single agency to respond comprehensively to all aspects of trafficking in persons.” She adds that “partnerships are the greatest strength in fighting human trafficking and supporting victims. As a result, this Process Manual, developed through a series of consultations, provides the supporting framework for a coordinated, inter-agency response, thereby strengthening coordination and collaboration among multiple stakeholders”. Dr. Chaitram says, “it provides step-by-step guidelines to all relevant agencies involved, always ensuring the protection of the human rights of children”.

The Process Manual has been lauded by Superintendent of Police Claire Guy-Alleyne, who is in charge of the Special Victims Department, as “an excellent achievement”. She says, “it will ensure that the response to children who are victims/survivors of human trafficking is well-enhanced. Superintendent Guy-Alleyne notes that “coordination will be streamlined and systematic, since the Process Manual helps in clearly defining roles, improving communication, and ultimately fostering a more victim/survivor-centred approach, which would be more efficient in focusing on the welfare of the child, at the centre of the response”.

Ms. Vera Persad, Chief Immigration Officer, of the Immigration Division notes, that “the measure of a nation’s standing is how well it takes care of its children”. She adds that “the Immigration Division takes very seriously its commitment to safeguarding all children, whether citizen or foreign national”. Ms. Persad says “the security and well-being of our children are paramount to promoting healthy growth and development”. She maintains that the Immigration Division will continue to ensure that those “we are charged to protect; feel safe, valued and loved”.

Representatives of the agencies advise that their efforts can only be successful, if the national community is vigilant and reports all incidences or suspicions of abuse to the Police at 999 or the Children’s Authority at 996.

Children’s Authority Shortlisted for President’s Awards 2023

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has been selected as a finalist in the President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence (Pr.A.I.S.E). In September, 2023 the Authority submitted an application to the awards on The Forensic Interview Function, under the Innovation category. In October the Authority was informed that it was shortlisted and would be required to deliver a presentation before a panel of judges in November. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on December 12th, 2023.

As a finalist, the Authority is also eligible to win the people’s choice award. To date the Authority, in collaboration with the police, has conducted 356 forensic interviews. That means 356 children have benefitted from a child focused interview where they were treated with dignity and respect; recognised as an expert regarding their own experience; and afforded the opportunity to communicate about that experience in their own way. It also means that the police have 356 matters for which statements have been derived to support the criminal investigation process. As a result, the chances of apprehending alleged perpetrators and bringing justice to child victims and their families were increased.

A forensic interview is a semi-structured, non-suggestive, legally defensive and developmentally appropriate process of gathering a child’s account of events. The interview is conducted through a one way mirror and captured via a high-quality audiovisual recording system. This method aims to reduce the trauma associated with conducting multiple interviews and eliminates the need for the child to repeat the disclosure in a courtroom. Additionally, the equipment produces a DVD recording of the 2 interview that adds weight and credibility to a criminal investigation and allows easy review of the interview at any time.

The Pr.A.I.S.E Awards were launched in 2018 by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under the patronage of Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, O.R.T.T., Former President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. They have brought well-deserved accolades and visibility to public sector agencies and organisations demonstrating innovation and service excellence.

 

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY APPEALS FOR AN END TO CRIME – CHILDREN LIVING IN FEAR

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is profoundly saddened by the tragic deaths of three children and wounding of two 14-year-olds, early Thursday morning, and extends condolences to their families and friends.

The Authority notes that the children lost their lives in the very space where they were supposed to feel most at peace, protected and loved. At 10, 14 and 17, they were all on the cusp of new and exciting times in their lives, with much to look forward to.

The Authority remains deeply disturbed by the alarming and increasing trend of violence affecting children, especially gun violence. The organisation continues to condemn the increase in gun violence that is affecting communities and threatening the lives and safety of our country’s children. Many children have suffered injuries and loss of life, as a result of violent acts committed against them by adults or among adults.  Earlier this week, a one-year-old Venezuelan child was struck by a stray bullet, while playing outside his home.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority is appealing for an end to crime in Trinidad and Tobago. He says “the fallout of the war that citizens are waging against each other is leading to broken families. Children also are forced to grow-up without their parents and relatives, and parents and relatives are grieving the loss of their children”.

Mr. Cyrus adds, “the psychological toll that all this loss and grief takes on our society is wide-reaching. The impact goes even further, as our children are now growing in a space where they must be hyper-vigilant – unable to play, rest or even sleep peacefully in their homes.” “Living with that fear”, he notes, “is very damaging and will have repercussions for our children’s future”.

The Authority therefore, renews its call for a return to the “village”, to a time where people took care of each other. As a nation, all efforts must be made to protect children, reduce their risk of exposure to violence, and other dangerous situations. The Authority’s Director/CEO states that “the entire village of trusted adults – parents, relatives and neighbours must recognise that child protection is everybody’s business”.

The national community is encouraged to report any incidents of violence or criminal activity which may affect the safety of a child to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service at 999 or the Authority at 996.

About the Children’s Authority

Established in 2015, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago seeks to promote the best interest of children through advocacy, prevention, intervention and collaborative strategies based on multidisciplinary approaches. The Authority seeks to defend and support child rights and make child protection everybody’s business. Since 2015, the Authority has received and dealt with more than 36,000 reports of child abuse in Trinidad and Tobago.

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CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY PROMOTES KINSHIP FOSTER CARE

September is Adoption and Foster Care awareness month in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a time when the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago shines a light on these two critical spokes in the nation’s child protection wheel.

This year the Authority is seeking to raise awareness and interest in Kinship Foster Care, which is a temporary placement option where a child who has been removed from his/her family of origin is placed with a relative, other than the parent.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “it is our goal to facilitate the reintegration of children in care with their families within the shortest possible timeframe, where possible and in the best interest of the child”.

Mr. Cyrus adds, “we still believe it takes a village to raise a child, and through Kinship Foster Care we can build a legacy by making a positive impact in a child’s life”.

The Authority hopes to attract eligible persons who can provide a safe, loving home for a child in need of care and protection and help the child maintain a sense of his/her culture and connections with family.

The public is reminded that Child Protection is Everybody’s Business and for more information on Foster Care contact the Foster Care Unit at 627-0748 ext. 40988.

 

 

INVITATION TO SUPPLY OFFICE FURNITURE

The Authority invites suitably qualified suppliers to register and submit documentary evidence of their qualifications and experience to the OPR to supply the Children’s Authority with the above mentioned service categoty (UNSPSC Code: 56000000 – Furniture and Furnishings).

Please click the link below for futher details.

Link: Invitation To Supply Office Furniture

LIMITED HOTLINE ACCESS

The Authority’s Hotline numbers 996 and 800-2014 are operational, but with limited access.

The public is encouraged to continue calling or to utilise one of the following options to make a report:

Email: registry@ttchildren.org

Website: ttchildren.org/report-child-abuse/

HOTLINE DISRUPTION

The public is advised that the Authority’s Hotline numbers (996 and 800-2014) are currently unavailable due to technical difficulties.

Our service provider is currently working to have this issue rectified in the shortest possible time.

We do apologise for any inconvenience this disruption may have caused.

To make a report, you can utilise any of the three following options:

Telephone: 627-0748 or 224-4026

Email: registry@ttchildren.org

Website: https://ttchildren.org/report-child-abuse/

 

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY APPOINTS SHELDON CYRUS AS DIRECTOR/C.E.O.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago welcomes Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, who has been appointed Director/Chief Executive Officer of the
organisation.

Mr. Cyrus brings a wealth of experience to the Authority. He is a lawyer by training, with a twenty (20) year career that spans business management at
executive levels, both private and public.

Mr. Cyrus says he’s honoured and grateful to lead such a significant agency with dedicated professionals and is eager to make his contribution to the Authority as it seeks to defend and support child rights and make child protection everybody’s business.

He adds that “the children are the heart of the enterprise; therefore, my contribution must make a positive impact on the Authority’s vision for our children to be the best that they can be”.

The Board of Management, Executive and staff look forward to working with Mr. Cyrus, who has come at a critical juncture in the Authority’s history, as the organisation seeks to respond in an agile manner to the growing needs of children and their families in Trinidad and Tobago.