Childcare Agency, educators in sensitisation seminar
Director of Childcare Agency, Ann Greene addressing the educators
Director of Childcare Agency, Ann Greene addressing the educators

…sound caution to those who put children at risk

HEAD of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ann Greene on Thursday said she is very confident that the nation’s educators can do much more in identifying instances of abuse of children who turn up for school and called on them to do everything in their power to bring the children out of those situations.

She was at the time speaking to a group of educators who gathered at the Regency Hotel on Hadfield Street for a seminar to foster collaboration and a better working relationship between the agency and educators.

She also called on media operatives and those persons on social media to be very responsible in the way they report and treat with issues involving children. Her calls in that respect are nothing new.

According to the law as well as the guidelines of the United Nations Rights of Child Convention, children who are perpetrators and victims of crimes should not have their identity disclosed be it by face, association or any other forms which allow the children to be identified.

She made it clear that in Guyana, the issue is still a problem which exists and which causes further embarrassment and more traumatic experiences for children.

The event, which was hosted at the Regency Hotel at Hadfield Street, brought together teachers from North and South Ruimveldt.

At the event which lasted for one day and was similar to one done with the Guyana Police Force some time ago, teachers were spoken to on the issues of childcare and protection, abuse, partnerships, understanding their responsibilities in the context of child protection and care, laws under which children are protected, those who can be prosecuted for neglecting their duties, gender concept and stereotyping and understanding trafficking in persons among other areas.

“Working together for the protection of children and families” was the theme under which the event was held on Thursday.

In her address, the director of Childcare Services, in an almost two hour presentation to the educators, said that they must understand what they do and why they do it. She told them that contrary to popular belief, the department which she heads is not in the business of seeking children out to remove them from their families.

Greene said that removing children from their families is always a last resort and when the decision has to be made to move a child, it is always in the best interest of the child given the circumstances at the time.

The childcare head said her department is only interested in having effective collaboration with all stakeholders.

Greene also cautioned the teachers that anytime there are cases where abuse or other forms of violations are meted out against children and the police become involved as they should, the police cannot conclude or carry out their investigations without contacting the Childcare and Protection Agency. She called on the teachers to also ensure that they themselves inform the department when certain developments are taking place as it relates to children and crimes perpetrated against them or involving them.

A passionate Greene noted that there is still need for a special victims unit for children who are abused, as this will allow for swifter investigation, prosecution and closure for the victims. She said that what is being seen in the courts with respect to rape cases and the accused being jailed, dates back to offences they committed years ago.

As it relates to the issue of holding persons for 72 hours and then releasing them on bail, Greene said the practice is one of the easier ways out for the police. She told teachers that the notion of the 72 hours does not mean that a police is just supposed to pick up someone and hold them for 72 hours then release them.

“Those persons could be passed through court within 72 hours and then you have the other three months to get your case file fully completed,” she explained.

Teachers were reminded that they can do wonders in making the children, who have so many pains and suffering at home, feel comfortable when they arrive at school.
They were advised against contributing to the victimisation of the children by way of actions and comments. She spoke especially to the issue of correcting children who misbehave.

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