–mere thought of what those children endure moves Min. Persaud almost to tears

IN order to familiarise herself with the various organisations that fall under her ministry, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud paid a visit on Wednesday to the Children and Family Centre, a housing facility in suburban Plum Park, Sophia which provides temporary shelter for vulnerable families and children.

While there, Minister Persaud committed to ensuring that the families and abused and neglected children being housed at the Centre receive the best of treatment, so as to help them forget and overcome the hardships they have endured.
Describing the rousing welcome she received from the children and other residents of the facility, in spite of their less than ideal circumstances, as “heartwarming”, Minister Persaud said: “When children are affected by abuse, in many cases, it is heartbreaking to imagine a child having to deal with that on a daily basis… So, to go there today and see the children in a different frame of mind; coming out of situations and circumstances like that, it warmed my heart.”

She also commended the Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ms. Ann Greene and the staff of the facility for doing whatever it takes to work with the children during this COVID-19 situation, particularly their finding creative ways of helping them to learn, play and interact with each other while still adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.
Dr. Persaud was also impressed by the fact that the Centre not only caters for children, but members of their families as well.
“The unique thing about this Centre is that family members, or those family members who are similarly affected; like their mothers, they can be there with their children. So it’s the entire family that is looked after; cared for, and given the best of our consideration,” she said.

The Children and Family Care Centre can house up to 80 persons at a time, and is accessible 24/7. It is made up of seven buildings, which include dormitory facilities for boys and girls; living quarters for up to eight families; kitchen; dining room; administration building and training facilities.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
Earlier this week, the minister had also disclosed that a centralised database will be established at the Ministry of Human Services to obtain data for the development and implementation of policies and actions for the prevention of, and response to violence, exploitation and abuse of children.
Noting that it takes a community effort to look after a child, the ministry said it will be working along with international stakeholders, community groups, and non-governmental organisations towards the protection of children against abuse and exploitation.
The Minster acknowledged the strides made by child advocacy groups, Law Enforcement and international donor agencies in protecting children. She, however, noted that there is still room for “a much more collaborative, focused-driven approach” in addressing child abuse, with “monitoring and evaluation” being standardised.

In the circumstances, the Ministry will be stepping up its efforts, through educational campaigns, to encourage parents and communities to become more involved in reporting incidents of child abuse.
The ministry and the CPA have continuously urged citizens to report instances of child abuse and neglect to the relevant authorities to save children from grievous living situations.