Children’s Authority assures child in video is not being abused

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago assures the public that the child seen in a video picking up garbage with his bare hands is not being abused. The video was shared via social media on the evening of Sunday 1 st November, 2020.

The Authority’s Licensing and Monitoring Unit, which is responsible for continuous monitoring and evaluation of Children’s Homes, conducted an investigation on Monday. This is part of the Authority’s protocol when reports of breaches are received about children in residential care. The investigation included independent discussions with the child, other children who witnessed the incident, as well as the Manager of the Home and the caregiver.

Following the investigation, the Authority has advised the Management of the Home to implement the necessary safety measures that would ensure the protection of the children in their care.

The Authority will continue to monitor the Home through announced and unannounced visits, to verify that recommendations have been put into effect. The Authority is aware that caregivers at the country’s 41 Children’s Homes provide tremendous support to the healthy development of the children in residential care. The Authority, therefore, salutes all caregivers for their yeoman service, especially during these challenging times.

Meanwhile, the Authority thanks the public for its response to suspicions of child abuse and reminds that “child protection is everybody’s business”.

The public is encouraged to report concerns about a child’s safety to the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.

Parents urged to teach children the dangers of alcohol consumption and illicit drugs

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is calling on parents to make the care and protection of their children, their number one priority.
The call comes following the circulation of a video with children liming and drinking what appears to be alcohol, outside a residence. The children are also heard using obscene language.
The Authority notes that parents and guardians must take responsibility for teaching children what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. It adds that children should be taught at an early age the dangers of alcohol consumption and illicit drugs.
Parents are reminded of the following:
  • Ensure children are left in the care of trusted and responsible adults
  • Set boundaries about places children may go and enforce them
  • Encourage children to check in with you frequently when they are not at home
  • Monitor closely your child’s social media and cellular phone activity
  • Know your children’s friends and observe any new influences which may affect their behaviour
  • Older children should not be given the responsibility to supervise younger ones
While the date of the video is not known, adults are encouraged to remind children that the COVID-19 pandemic requires behaviour change by all, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Authority is collaborating with the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to investigate the matter. According to Section 38 of the Children Act, 2012, the Authority is mandated to contact the parent, guardian or the person with responsibility for a child, once it receives information from the Police that the child was believed to be drinking alcohol.
The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business” and we should not turn a blind eye when children are in danger or engaging in dangerous activity. To report concerns about a child’s safety, contact the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.