SOMEONE has to advocate on behalf of children. In doing so, many Childcare and Protection (CPA) Officers are at risk whether they are out in the fields, visiting the home of an abused child, or having discussions with parents in the workplace.

Although their clients are children, each child comes from a family. Most families do not want CPA officers, or anyone else, coming to their home on child-related issues that highlight inadequate parenting.

It is rare for a mother or father to willingly welcome a child protection officer into their home to assist with investigations. But working with parents is an integral part of the job because children need parents who can give them appropriate care and attention.

One officer recalled: “We visited a location where a highly intoxicated mother was in charge of her 18-month-old child. Apparently, this was an ongoing practice for the mother, and neighbours were concerned.

“She was worse when we arrived and could hardly stand, let alone care for the infant.

“When we explained why we were there and told her we had to remove the child to safety, she became abusive and tried to assault my colleague.

“Eventually, with police assistance, we secured the bawling child from her arms. It was a highly traumatic evening for all of us. Once we had the child in care, a constable escorted her to the police station, where she was charged with child endangerment.

“I went to see her the next day to explain why we had to protect the child and so forth. She was coherent and cooperative but devastated because the child was taken away.

“She was sure she would never see her child again. I was able to console her by saying it’s not the end of the world; she could get back the child if she sorted herself out and created a safe environment for the child, and made the child her focus.

“I gave her the phone number of an NGO [non-governmental organisation] that could help her, and my contact details.”

Many people believe we want to take children away from their parents – but this is not true. We are here to serve, and in serving, we aim to make better homes for children with parents who care, which is quite the opposite.

‘Access’ and ‘Custody’ are extremely sensitive cases that could have repercussions for members of staff who are simply doing their jobs. Officers conduct research and background work to write reports on their findings where court proceedings are involved.

They may be required to read their report in court, where an angry parent could be offended by the content – especially if they lose their custody battle.

Another child protection officer recalled: “I’ve had occasions where parents become aggressive when things are not going their way or the way they expected, but I speak to them politely and find ways to cool them down.

“Sometimes, officers are stuck in the centre of these cases, working with both parents and trying to find some common, civil ground where we can amicably straighten out matters without unduly distressing the child; and with the least amount of hostility between them.”

Ours is a specialised service where we acquire skills to work with parents in the child’s best interest. It is hard to convey this principle to parents who dislike each other and have no wish to compromise, and, at times, the strain from both parties is felt by us officers.

Although the job has its stressful moments, there is also the satisfaction you get when you see progress such as a family changing to accept its mistakes and working to create a safe home for the children.

You might also see youngsters who leave care to take up careers in the disciplined services or move on to higher education.

In the hinterland, skilled officers work for children in unfamiliar territory. In rural communities, it takes time to cultivate support and understand their work.

Still, children are protected under Guyana’s laws from risk or being subject to abuse.

It is challenging for officers to be away from their families and loved ones, but they have a duty of care to children, regardless of how traumatic or sensitive cases may become. Childcare and Protection Officers hope to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

At the same time, they must consider their well-being and safety. The workload can be heavy; the visiting and investigative work, tiresome; and there is an ever-present risk of danger from angry or frustrated parents. Yet, they are there to serve and assist children and families.

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 HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY