AS we draw towards the end of the year it is the perfect time for families to get together, sharing quality time, good food and catching up on each other’s progress and failures for the past year and plans for the year ahead.

Tradition plays a big part in what families do during this season as some customs have been handed down for decades; people believe it just would not be ‘The Christmas season’ without their usual practices. Learning the significance of various family traditions can be a good thing for children as they grow; children need consistency in their lives: they need to know they are accepted and are part of a family. Most children have the privilege of experiencing this type of family attachment naturally; others, like those who may have grown up in care, have never felt that special sense of belonging.

It may sound like a very simple thing, but it makes a huge difference to a child’s development just knowing that he is part of a family, or that some relatives or adults care about him. Do you know of a child (or family) that you can help at this time? Share your love and consideration, bring some light and care into a child’s world for this season (and if not for this season, then during the coming year). The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ministry of Social Protection is working with several partners to ensure that this yuletide season is as enjoyable as possible for the children in their care.

Currently, at the Sophia Care Centre there are 73 children, some of whom are adolescents (18 – 20 years old). These older children reside at the Half-Way House while transitioning to adulthood, but they have not been left out of the fun and celebrations. So far, the children and young people have enjoyed a visit to Movie- Towne to see ‘Frozen two’ and there have been parties held especially for them, such as the one hosted at Parliament. In addition, dinners and luncheons have been prepared in their honour.

The Honourable Minister of Social Protection Ms Amna Ally visited Care Centres, including Sophia, to share gifts with the children. The children are organising a Christmas concert and they will participate in singing, dancing and other dramatic activities. Some children in care are fortunate enough to have family with whom they can spend this season, so they will be away from the centre for a while.

The Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection, endeavours to do all it can to bring cheer to these children during this holiday. It is, however, ultimately the public who can make a permanent difference to their lives by coming forward as Foster Parents, Mentors and by adopting children. This will help with their well-being and development. It will also give them a sense of belonging.

Adults must also do their duty to children by reporting child abuse; even if they only suspect that a child is being abused, they must call the Childcare and Protection Agency. All calls are treated with the strictest confidentiality and you do not have to give your name. Children rely on adults to speak and act on their behalf; we must not let them down. It makes all the difference to children just to know that someone cares.

Watch out for the Childcare and Protection Agency’s Christmas Special on NCN on New Year’s Day, at 19.15hrs. Also to be featured is the launch of our new Parenting Skills video, ‘Madeleine.’
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION