Category: Media Releases

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago encourages parents and guardians to maintain the positive practices that kept their children safe during the school term. This as children will soon be on vacation for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, reminds parents to “keep children a priority, despite the lengthy to-do lists and all the associated activities of the festive season.” The Authority’s data continues to show that neglect is the highest reported type of abuse and that inattention by parents can leave children vulnerable.

According to Mr. Cyrus “it is easy for parents to get caught up in the preparations for Christmas but they must not be distracted from their primary duty as caregivers.” He also points out that children should never be given alcohol, as it impairs judgement and makes them an even easier target for abusers.”

The Authority advises parents and guardians to ensure that children have adequate time to rest and play if they are included in holiday cleaning. Appropriate behaviour for both children and adults should be discussed before any outings, including family gatherings. Children should be taught about consent and that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members. The following 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.
● 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.

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.

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.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago calls on the national community to join in the fight against child abuse and maltreatment. Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and the Authority encourages families to use this opportunity to create safer communities for our nation’s children”.

Mr. Cyrus highlights the concerning trend of child neglect, which continues to dominate reports received by the Authority. He adds that “the neglect of children by those responsible for their care and protection, often leads to other types of abuses being perpetrated”. He notes that “tackling child abuse requires a national response and commitment to building a culture where children feel safe”.

The Director/CEO urges parents experiencing parenting challenges to seek help. He indicates that support is available from agencies like the National Family Services Division of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, which has expanded its Community-Based Parenting Workshops. Some parents, he notes, have been using social media to name and shame their children as a means of discipline. Mr. Cyrus discourages this behaviour, which may not yield the change that is desired or anticipated.

Parents and guardians should consider the following positive approaches to discipline:

• Reward good behaviour
• Reinforce clear boundaries and expectations
• Discuss inappropriate behaviour you want to see changed
• Administer consequences for undesirable actions immediately and ensure they are age and developmentally appropriate and proportionate
• Use time-out or temporarily remove privileges such as games, devices, outdoor events or social activities
• Avoid disciplining children when angry – take time to calm down before dealing with the situation
• Seek professional help, especially when dealing with children who may be displaying challenging behaviours

The Authority reminds the public that reports of abuse can be made to the Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago urges the national community to prioritise child safety this Carnival.

The Authority recognises the cultural significance of this season for both adults and children. It remains a great avenue for cultural expression and the passing on of traditions, which hold historical significance. However, reports to the Authority indicate the need for greater supervision of children, whether they are participating in Carnival-related activities or not.

Child neglect continues to rank as the number one type of abuse reported to the Authority, causing significant concern, as children also are exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “parents should ensure their children are properly supervised before they go out to party”. He adds that “leaving older children to supervise their younger siblings is not a suitable option. Instead, children should be left in the care of a trusted adult”.

The Authority is again appealing to parents and guardians to verify the safety and trustworthiness of groups and volunteers facilitating non-Carnival activities like camping and club retreats, before allowing children to participate.

The following are a few safety tips to protect children:

• Closely monitor children at the beach, river or near any body of water. Do not allow children to enter the water alone.
• Teach children OK and Not OK touches and that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses or other affection, even from family members.
• Teach and remind children about recognising abuse and how to protect themselves.
• Create and maintain free-flowing communication with children so they can tell you about any challenges they may face.
• Set boundaries about places children may go and enforce them.
• Encourage older children to check-in with you frequently when they are not at home.
• Ensure that potential hazards or poisonous substances at home are well-stored and kept out of reach.
• Be aware of your child’s online activity.

Mr. Cyrus encourages the national community, “if you are aware of incidents of child abuse, maltreatment or neglect, to call the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999 to make a report and do your part to keep our nation’s children safe”.

Child Protection is Everybody’s Business!

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago strongly condemns the actions of a man seen physically and verbally abusing a child in a video circulating on social media. Once the video came to the Authority’s attention, the customary procedures were put in place, and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service was immediately contacted.

In thanking the public for bringing attention to this incident, Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority advised that the Authority’s Emergency Response Team was activated. “Our team is conducting a full investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. The investigation includes engaging the family and members of the community, and this is being conducted in conjunction with the Police.”

Mr. Cyrus appeals to parents and caregivers to consider the following as we rethink and reframe our approach to discipline, for the sake of our children:

• Reinforce boundaries and expectations of behaviour
• Reward good behaviours
• Administer consequences for undesirable actions immediately or close in time to the infraction, and in a manner that is age and developmentally appropriate and proportionate to the infraction
• Discuss with your child the inappropriate behaviour you want to see changed
• Use time-out or take away privileges from children: such as games, devices, outdoor events or playing with friends for a short period of time
• Avoid disciplining children when angry as heightened emotions can make matters worse. Instead, walk away, take deep breaths and try talking to your child about the unacceptable behaviour when you have calmed down
• Seek professional help, especially when dealing with children who may be displaying challenging behaviours

The Children’s Authority reminds personsthat they can report abuse to the Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999 and reach out to the following agencies for support:

• The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
• The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
• The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
• Childline: 131

The three boys who absconded from a Children’s Home last week are in the care of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the safe return of the boys is yet another indication of the Authority’s principle that ‘Child protection is everybody’s business’.”

Mr. Cyrus adds that the Authority thanks the public for their assistance in the safe return of the children. In particular, the Authority thanks activist Ms. Kezel Jackson for her diligence in helping return two children to the attention of the Police on Monday. He notes that the third child was located today by the Authority.

He says that as part of the Authority’s process, the children will receive the relevant medical and psychosocial interventions to address any trauma they may have experienced. The Authority has already begun its investigation to determine how the children were able to leave the facility. This inquiry will also address any allegations by the children, as well as review the safety and security measures at the Home.

The Authority is aware that at a news conference on social media today, Ms. Jackson made certain allegations against the Authority, with regard to the children’s care. The Authority takes these allegations very seriously and assures the public that they will form part of the investigation.

Mr. Cyrus said, “While we appreciate the effort and interest Ms. Jackson has shown for the children, it cannot be at the expense of impugning the character and integrity of the people who work at the Children’s Authority and all the people who work in the child protection system. Ms. Jackson is the leader of a political party and a civilian, not a legal guardian of the children involved. These children, as minors, remain wards of the Court and as such are
entitled to certain rights and privacy. It is therefore not a ‘right’ of any member of the public to have ready access to these children, who, as she herself indicated, have already been traumatised by the experience.”

The Authority also takes this opportunity to clarify that its Hotline number 996 is available 24/7. The public is strongly encouraged to contact this number, if they suspect a child is in need of care and protection. Additionally, the Police may be contacted at 999.

With the end of the school year and the July-August vacation period about to begin, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is urging parents and guardians to make child safety a top priority.

While this is a time for leisure, fun and exploration, there is a need for all adults to remain watchful, and safeguard all children from abuse, maltreatment and physical harm. The Authority notes that, as a result of the changes to the routines of children during the vacation period and a lack of adequate supervision and caregiver awareness, children are more vulnerable to accidents, harm and abuse. Therefore, parents and guardians are encouraged to make suitable arrangements for the care of children during their vacation.

For those who would be participating in camp or organised group activities, parents and guardians should enquire from organisers about the arrangements in place to ensure child safety. The Authority advises that teaching children how to protect themselves from abuse is a vital step in ensuring their protection. It is highly recommended that parents and guardians keep an open line of communication, so children feel comfortable in disclosing any incidents that may have occurred.

Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, encourages persons in positions of trust, to report all instances of abuse and maltreatment towards children. Mr. Cyrus says, “we all have a role in safeguarding our nation’s children, as child abuse is not just a family issue but a societal problem that requires our collective response”.

He adds that the following should be observed to keep children safe:

• Teach children about consent, which includes:
– No one has a right to touch their body
– Ok and Not Ok touches
– It’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members

• Know who is supervising your child when he/she is spending time away from home.
– Ask about sleeping arrangements
– Ask who frequents the household
– Ask about firearms and other weapons
– Ask about safety plans

Monitor your child’s friendships, especially with adults who repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.

• Be aware of your child’s online activity. Be alert to changes in behaviour, as sudden changes in a child’s behaviour or emotional state, may indicate a problem.
• Utilise non-physical forms of discipline to reduce incidents of physical abuse.
• Keep a watchful eye on children at the beach, river and pool, and secure open containers of water at home.
• Ensure that potential hazards at home are well-stored and kept out of the reach of children.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.

The Authority encourages parents and guardians to spend time in fun-filled activities with their children during the holidays.

For more tips, visit the Authority’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter). The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business”. To report any incident or suspicion of abuse, contact the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) is aware of media reports of alleged abuses by a minor against other children at a Children’s Home in Central Trinidad. The Authority is working closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to determine all the facts.

The Authority has provided psychosocial support and medical care to the minor and this support and care will continue. The Authority has also taken steps to safeguard the children in this matter.

The Authority takes seriously all reports of abuse involving children in care and will continue to ensure that such reports are thoroughly investigated. There is need, however, to maintain the safety and confidentiality of the personal details of children in this matter. As such, the Authority will not divulge any details of the child’s case.

The Authority also takes the opportunity to remind the public of the protocols and laws governing the rights of the child and their privacy, when making public statements, especially where these statements have not been officially corroborated.