THE Juvenile Holding Centre held its first Parent Day on Monday at the centre located at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Security said the aim of the event was to strengthen the relationship and understanding between juveniles and their parents. The programme commenced with an interactive discourse on parenting skills, which focused on discipline and appropriate measures used to deal with “disobedient” children, the release stated.
The session was facilitated by the Juvenile Correctional Teacher, Ms. Sherie Ann Vanderyaan from the Child Care & Protection Agency. The ministry said the session afforded parents an opportunity to explain difficulties they are experiencing with their children.

Ms. Vanderyaan offered various tips and guidelines on how to address these difficulties. Parents also meet one-on-one with the teachers and social workers to discuss their child’s development, behaviour and progress. The Parent Day initiative was geared towards improving parenting skills, parent-child relationship and preparing juveniles for their reintegration into the home and society. This initiative was well received by parents who expressed their satisfaction.