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Investigation of Children's Homes, GROUP 3: Facilitator – Ms. Carolyn…
Investigation of Children's Homes
WHY
Ensure public trust in the system
Assurance on the protection of the children & Homes' staff
Rights of staff and children need to be respected to cultivate a safe environment for all
deters underreporting of abuse or similar incidents
Execution of sensitivity in reporting & public response, to preserve the integrity/confidentiality of these vulnerable children
Ensure safety of these vulnerable children
Need to maintain record keeping of activities in the Homes
medical documentations
injuries, psychological assessments, nutritional/dietary needs
basic rights of books, clothing, sleeping accommodations
WHO
Circumstances of impacted children
Orphans
Ministry of Social Development & Family Planning Services
Provision in technical areas of: counselling, funding, mediation and security
Victims
Hospital records/community clinics
Is there sufficient handling of psycho-social educational training within the Homes for both staff and children?
Delinquents
TTPS records for children with Juvenile misdemeanors
Assessments need to be conducted on the catalysts for these misdemeanors: abuse, psychological trauma, staff negligence, etc.
Recent Cases
Alleged pregnancies of teen residents at the hands of staff members
Outcome
It was revealed that the girls were pregnant before their arrival, hence staff misconduct was not present
Which government agencies are responsible for oversight and regulation?
Children's Authority
Kinship Foster Care programme 2023
Which NGOs are involved as stakeholders in child protection
Children's Ark
Kids in need of direction
Save our children foundation
Management of the Homes(who runs it?)
Government Organisations
Ministry of Social Development
OPM Gender & Child Affairs Division
licensing regime for registered homes
National Child Policy
Strengthening of national adoption systems & expanding foster care programmes by key agencies: Children's Authority & AGLA
Recommendations of the Justice Judith Jones Report
As of 2023, only 5 of the recommendations were under implementation as cited by the "THIRD SESSION (2022/2023) OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT"
MOE
Student Support Services
Equipping Teachers to recognise & report incidents of abuse
National Protocol for Child Abuse Prevention and Management
Religious Organisations
IRO Reports
Under the partnership between the CA & Archdiocese of Port of Spain, all Catholic homes were licensed to offer the best care
Private Organisations
Habitat for Humanity
UN Initatives
UNDP’s "Choose Peace" Programme 2024
Expansion of curriculum + Cultivating resilience, self-esteem and psychological education training & workshops to St. Jude's Home for Girls
What incident is currently being investigated?
Abuse claims at Central Children's Home
Incidents/ evidence: 2018-2024 (report of abuse by minor at Couva children home)
25 incidents of sexually inappropriate behaviour against 11 children and 2 dogs.
113 incidents of misbehaviour against the child.
Initially, attempts to have the offender transferred were blocked by authorities.
Resulting from this, the 2 of the children who spoke out were removed from the home, as well as the minor offender.
The incidents include:inappropriate touching, sneaking into other children's beds, fondling the Home's pets, etc
Nature of problem
Physical and sexual abuse
Sources
TT Guardian
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/boy-12-accused-of-abusing-11-children-2-animals-at-home-6.2.2005784.820051007e
Loop News TT
Children's Authority Media Release
https://ttchildren.org/childrens-authority-investigates-reports-of-abuse-at-a-childrens-home/
Statement by UWI STA's Institute for Gender and Development Studies
https://sta.uwi.edu/igds/sites/default/files/igds/documents/STATEMENT%203May2022%20-%20IGDS%20Calls%20for%20Clearer%20Actions%20to%20Protect%20Children%20in%20Homes%20and%20Other%20Places%20of%20Safety_0.pdf
LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Laws for Children's Homes
Children’s Community Residences, Foster Care and Nurseries Act
Laws for the protection of Children
Children's Act
There are provisions which aim to prevent harm to the child, such as preventing cruelty to children; preventing the risk of burning, begging, and exposure to firearms and ammunition; preventing child prostitution; preventing the exposure of dangerous drugs, tobacco and alcohol; and other sexual offences in relation to children.
Children's Authority Act
Contains provisions detailing the establishment of the Children's Authority, care of children under the Authority, maintenance of children under said care, etc.
Chap 46:10, The Children’s Community Residences, Foster Care and Nurseries Act
Status of Children Act
Removes the stigma surrounding "illegitimate children", putting them on the same level as children born in wedlock (s3(a) and (b)).
Sexual Offences Act
Details which behaviours towards minors are offences, such as:
s10(1) An adult having sexual intercourse with a minor who is the adult's fostered, adopted, or step child;
s11(1) An adult having sexual intercourse with a minor under his employment
s16 An adult commits an Act of serious indecency towards a minor, etc
Adoption of Children Act
Provides a framework on the arrangements for adoption, etc
Legal entities
Child protection Unit TTPS
GROUP 3:
Facilitator – Ms. Carolyn Seepersad Bachan