The Catholic Archdiocese has established a team to undertake a systemic review of Catholic Care Homes for children and to implement new policies and guidelines that meet international standards for the management of homes and the care for children.
The announcement followed Archbishop Jason Gordon’s stated commitment on June 6 to enrol the support of competent, qualified, and concerned people to relook at how Catholic residential homes for children are managed.
The intervention comes as there are mounting concerns about institutional failures in both religious and secular homes in the safeguarding of minors.
Archbishop Gordon said the team is critical in solving the ills at children’s homes.
“In spite of the many success stories that have emerged from children’s homes, it is clear that the system has serious deficiencies which must be corrected. It is time for the Church to step up and move forward to remedy these shortcomings, through a comprehensive and systemic overhaul of our care institutions for children,” he said.
He added, “Every child is a gift from God and deserves to live in safety and with the loving support of responsible adults. I am grateful to this team for their generosity in volunteering their time and service to this significant and important undertaking.”
A statement from Catholic Media Services said the team’s mandate is focused on the restructuring of homes in accordance with best-in-class international guidelines – including those provided by UNICEF.
“The team is expected to carry out a thorough and comprehensive analysis of primary services, such as human resource competencies, job functions, and organisational structure, as well as operational and financing deficiencies. It is expected that the analysis should provide the most appropriate way forward for multifaceted rehabilitation and successful social reintegration of children entering the Catholic care system.”
It said that recommendations should be reflective of the specific legislative and socioeconomic characteristics of Trinidad and Tobago.
The team will be chaired by the Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, Deputy Chair of United Way TT and former senior leader in the energy sector Vincent Pereira.
Also serving on the team are Clinical Child Psychologist Dr Karen Moore who has over 25 years of experience in the areas of child psychology, specialising in the areas of child abuse and trauma, among other areas; Industrial Court Judge Angela Hamel-Smith and attorney-at-law Annabelle Sooklal.
“Over time, the team will draw on the expertise and experience of other professionals and resources which would benefit their work,” the statement added.
