THE intake department at the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), within the Ministry of Social Protection, is just one of seven departments situated at the CPA Headquarters on the corner of Charles and Broad Streets, Charlestown. Intake is the main hub of the Agency: this is where incidents of child abuse or suspected child abuse are reported by concerned citizens, teachers and members of the public. Reports come into the ‘intake’ department via the 24-hour hotline (227 0979), through phone calls and from people who simply walk in off the street. ‘Intake’ is a busy department with a lot of different things happening all at the same time.
OFFICERS ON THE JOB
When cases are reported to the Agency, the officers on duty have to decide which ones need priority. For instance, if a person phoned to say their neighbours’ children are not attending school, it would not be deemed a priority in comparison to a report in which a child is repeatedly being physically abused. Sexual abuse reports and those of child neglect are given maximum priority and attention. Children who have been sexually abused must not stay in the same house as the perpetrator. However, the law is slow in removing offenders, so child victims are usually removed by the CPA to a safe environment.
Children suffering from neglect also need a safe, secure place to stay where proper meals and care are available. Making sure that the right action is taken and correct measures are put in place to protect children takes time, team work and effective efficiency. There is protocol that needs to be adhered to and there is a law that governs what should and should not be done in the line of duty. Nevertheless, every report of child abuse is investigated and documented.
A TYPICAL CASE
A concerned citizen reported that her neighbour had left four children alone at home for extended periods of time and had currently been missing for two days. Child Protection Officers informed the local police of their intentions who accompanied them when they collected the children and brought them into the Agency. After the children had eaten, the three youngest were taken to the child- friendly room, while the eldest one was interviewed by an officer.
As a result of the interview, relatives were sought and found for the children to stay with on a temporary basis, while further investigations were carried out. Following up on the case, the CPA officer would have to prepare an Assessment Report to arrive at a more suitable course of ‘action’ to be taken on behalf of the children. This report is just one of many that will be referred to, should the case need to go to trial or an order be sought for guardianship of the children. A lot of documentation goes on in the ‘intake’ department. And indeed in the whole Agency: cases need to be followed up and updated consistently with the ultimate goal of re-integrating children with their families or finding alternative arrangements for their care.
While some people have positive experiences and some people have negative experiences and some folk are simply indifferent to the services supplied to them through public service Agencies, when it comes to the CPA and protecting the children of Guyana, all measures are taken ‘in the best interest of the child’ as mandated in the Protection of Children’s act 2009.
