The Gender and Child Affairs Ministry is advocating for “all of society” to work towards the protection of the nation’s children, and is calling for a “synergy of efforts” to realise this goal.
It is one of the key principles underscored at the Child Protection Framework Stakeholder Forum which took place yesterday (April 23, 2024), at the Office of the Prime Minister’s St. Clair Office.
“Child protection requires a synergy of government agencies, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector. It requires us to transcend boundaries, collaborate seamlessly and leverage each other’s strengths to detect and prevent child abuse,” forum participants were reminded by Vijay Gangapersad, Permanent Secretary (Ag.), for Gender and Child Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM-GCA).
“The Forum is the first in a series aimed at engaging various stakeholder groups in discussions toward the development of an action plan for a comprehensive and effective child protection system that is responsive to the specific context of abuse within the communities,” the OPM-GCA reports, noting that it was moderated by Irma Bailey-Reyes, Co-ordinator, Child Affairs Division, OPM GCA.
Another core message emphasised at the Forum was that men and boys are also victims of family violence in need of intervention. In addition, participants were reminded that children with behavioural issues are usually manifesting modelled behaviour of adults close to them.
Forum participants examined critical issues such as increased child neglect reports across communities, limitations in parenting skills and deficits in community intervention programmes.
The OPM-GCA is also reminding the public that child abuse is preventable.
“Issues that lead to abuse are treatable,” it notes, “and when abuse occurs, both victims and perpetrators can benefit from rehabilitation.”
The forum featured presentations from Shelley-Ann Hart, Director of Gender Affairs, OPM GCA; Ariane Farrell, Team Lead, Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago; and Deoraj Sookdeo, Manager (Ag.), St. Jude’s School for Girls.
Attendees at the hybrid event included Tobago House of Assembly Officers online, as well as representatives from government ministries, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Children’s Court, and several non-governmental organisations.