CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY USES TECHNOLOGY-BASED SYSTEM TO PROVIDE SEAMLESS SUPPORT TO CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is working with its partners in the child protection system to provide more timely services to children and their families.

The Authority recently conducted a training session with the National Family Services Division of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services in the operations of the Primero Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+). The System is a web-based platform that streamlines the processing of cases, including registration, assessments and referrals.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says “in this technological age, we are moving away from a paper-based environment to a digital platform that will bolster the services provided to children and their families”. He adds that “through this initiative, the Authority can seamlessly share information on a child with the relevant stakeholder agencies, thereby providing the necessary interventions”.

Staff of the National Family Services Division, who received the training, say this is a step in the right direction as the response time to cases will be faster. They note that through this type of collaboration, they can further deliver on their mission “to promote healthy family functioning through the provision of preventive, developmental and remedial programmes and services”.

Primero CPIMS+ was established in Trinidad and Tobago through the UNICEF-EU Spotlight Initiative and is a secure web-based application that allows caseworkers to have a complete picture of each child they serve and to determine the intervention best suited to their needs.

For more information on the Primero Child Protection Information Management System go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdfeuYl1T1s

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY SAYS KEEP CHILDREN OUT OF DISPUTES

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is deeply saddened by today’s horrific and brutal murder of a child. Domestic violence continues to be a significant issue that goes beyond the primary victims as it impacts the entire family.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “children are not to be used as bargaining chips in relationships or as collateral to sway an argument”. He notes that, “some persons continue to treat children as objects, things with which they can do as they please instead of treating them as actual human beings full of promise and potential. Persons are reminded that acts of violence against children are illegal and the Authority stands ready to assist the TTPS and the Courts to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Mr. Cyrus notes that “while it is not easy for victims of domestic violence to reach out when they need help, I urge them to do so. I also want to encourage their friends and family members to make reports if they are aware of what is going on in the home”. The Authority says that, oftentimes, it has been observed that domestic violence and child abuse are linked but in order to safeguard the children, people must do the needful. Children become the unintended victims and this can be prevented.

The Authority’s Director/CEO is reiterating his appeal to parents, caregivers and families to seek support if they are experiencing challenges. Some of the agencies that may be contacted include:
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists: 717-8827
The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
Childline: 131

As the Authority recognises April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, it reminds that child abuse is preventable and we all have a duty to speak up against it.

Reports of abuse should be made to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY SAYS CHILD ABUSE IS PREVENTABLE

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says through its collaboration with the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, two children seen in a video being mistreated by a woman, have been taken into care.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the organisation’s Emergency Response Team joined Police Officers, after reports were made about the incident to the Authority’s Hotline”. He notes that, “once again the public must be commended for bringing the incident to the attention of the Authority, which has led to the removal of the children from imminent danger”. Mr. Cyrus notes that “the Authority is of the firm belief that children thrive best in a family environment and the removal of a child from his or her home is only initiated if the safety of the child is deemed to be at risk”.

The Authority’s Director/CEO is appealing to parents, caregivers and families to seek support if they are experiencing challenges. Some of the agencies that may be contacted include:
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists: 717-8827
The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
Childline: 131

As the Authority recognises April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, it reminds that child abuse is preventable and we all have a duty to speak up against it. Reports of abuse should be made to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY COMMENDS PUBLIC FOR REPORTING ABUSE

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says the abuse of children is unacceptable.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the video circulating on social media, which shows an adult female kicking a child, is a stark reminder that too many of our nation’s children are experiencing abuse at the hands of their caregivers”. He adds that “too often, the persons charged with the responsibility to love and protect children are the ones who commit heinous acts of abuse”.

The Director/CEO notes that “the Authority’s Emergency Response Team, which works collaboratively with the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, responded to the report. The child was taken for a medical and is currently in the care of the Authority”.

Mr. Cyrus says “the person who made the report must also be commended for seeing something and saying something”. He added that “Child Protection Is Everybody’s Business”, and while the Authority is not asking persons to intervene in situations, it is imperative to report concerns about the welfare of a child to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

He adds that families in need of support should reach out to the following agencies if they feel overwhelmed:
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists: 717-8827
The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
Childline: 131

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY APPEALS FOR THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO BE UPDHELD

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is appealing to the public to report any concerns or suspicions they may have about the safety of a child to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

The call comes following the gruesome discovery of the skeletal remains of a young woman in the backyard of her home; and reports that persons living at the residence were denied freedom of movement for several years.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “while this incident is engaging the attention of the Police and the Authority, details are still unfolding. However, it is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to say something, if we see something”. Mr. Cyrus adds that “child protection is everybody’s business, but for the Authority or any agency to provide support, we need information that would guide our intervention”.

He adds that with respect to the individuals who were found at the house, “investigators will need to ascertain the circumstances under which they were kept. Once they are assessed, the psychological impact of their situation can be determined, in order to provide the necessary interventions”.

Mr. Cyrus says “there is an ongoing crisis regarding the protection of our nation’s children, as over the years, the Authority has had to intervene in several horrific situations in which children exist”. Therefore, he says, “the Authority is continuing to appeal for a change in the mindset of adults about the value of our children and a recognition that children’s rights must be respected. Among these fundamental rights are access to education, healthcare and
safety, so they can achieve their full potential as contributing members of society”.

The Director/Chief Executive Officer adds that “the Authority will work assiduously to support Police to bring the perpetrators of heinous crimes against children to justice”.

CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY CALLS FOR AN END TO COUNTRY’S VIOLENCE

Stop killing and abusing our nation’s children! That’s the call from Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Cyrus says “today, with great sadness we mourn the loss of yet another child due to senseless gun violence on our nation’s streets. The Authority extends condolences to the parents, family, friends and classmates of Ezekiel Huggins”.

He adds that once again the Authority is appealing for an end to crime and gun violence which are affecting communities and threatening the lives and safety of our country’s children. Mr. Cyrus says, “we can clearly see the result of the war citizens are waging against each other, as families are broken and children are forced in many instances to grow up without their parents and relatives, as a result of this type of senseless violence”.

On the issue of child abuse, Mr. Cyrus notes that “in January 2024, the Authority received 560 reports of children in need of care and protection, which is greater than the average number of reports per month received in 2023”. The majority of these reports, he said, were related to neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse. The Authority is therefore advising parents and caregivers that it is their duty to protect children, and reduce their risk of exposure to violence and abuse. Mr. Cyrus reminds the public that, “Child Protection is Everybody’s Business”, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that the society in which our children are raised is one that values and respects the safety of our nation’s children. We must continue to create a nurturing and safe environment in which children can thrive and be the best that they can be”.

The public is advised to report all incidents of crime and violence to the Police at 999. All incidents of abuse and maltreatment of children should also be reported to the Police at 999 and the Authority at 996 or 800-2014.

Members of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Board of Management Receive Instruments of Appointment

The Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister distributed instruments of appointment to Members of the Board of Management of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago on December 15, 2023 at the Gender and Child Affairs Division located in St. Clair. The Board of Management will serve for a period of three (3) years.

Members of the new Board of Management include:
 Mr. Rawlinson Agard (Chairman)
 Ms. Marion Kent
 Ms. Laura Davis
 Mr. Sule A. Joseph
 Dr. Natalie Dick
 Mrs. Kitty Al Hosein Garcia
 Ms. Denyse Gouveia
 Ms. Jennifer Boucaud-Blake
 Dr. Kirbi Rampersad
 Ms. Nadella Oya
 Ms. Jemila Massiah-Gilbert
 Ms. Rebecca Jessica Dipnarine
 Mr. Nigel Reece
 Mr. Keon Kayode Cunningham

The Board of Management at the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is mandated to promote the welfare, care and protection of all children and act as an advocate for the rights of all children. The Division of Gender and Child Affairs looks forward to continued collaboration in strengthening the nation’s child protection machinery and the implementation of mechanisms for ensuring the welfare of all children.

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.