— Minister Persaud says all homes must achieve full compliance by mid-2026

IN a proactive move to strengthen accountability and ensure higher standards of care for children, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Friday granted Childcare Services Licenses to nine foster homes across Guyana.

The licences were officially presented by Human Services Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Erica Forte, during a ceremony at the Ministry’s Head Office, East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown.

According to a release from the ministry, Minister Persaud explained that of the 17 children’s homes currently registered with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), nine have achieved full compliance with the Childcare and Protection Agency Act and the Minimum Standards for Residential Care Facilities.

She commended both the administrators of the licensed homes and the CPA team for their dedication, stressing that by June 2026, every facility providing care for children must be fully compliant and licensed.

“The children placed in your care are entrusted to you by the State. They have faced neglect, abuse, or other challenges that require protection. So, our duty is not just to provide them with shelter but to ensure their full protection, development and emotional well-being,” Minister Persaud underscored.

Dr. Persaud said the CPA continues to work closely with all homes to achieve compliance, offering guidance, inspections, and technical support. She also announced that staff training in childcare and early childhood development is available free of cost through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme.

“Every home must ensure that all staff members are fully trained by June next year. Beyond that, there will be continuous education sessions so staff can stay updated and maintain compliance,” she said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s financial support to all 17 homes, noting that the annual subvention has been increased from $200,000 to $400,000 to improve living conditions and strengthen operations.

“We are paying close attention to how these funds are utilised. Areas such as fire safety and general safety will be prioritised in every home, especially those that are not yet licensed,” Dr. Persaud noted.

The Ministry will further strengthen record-keeping, health monitoring, and educational development for every child under care. Each child will be provided with proper identification, regular medical check-ups, and access to extracurricular opportunities in sports, music, and other life-enriching activities.

Additionally, the Minister announced that the CPA’s monitoring and evaluation system will be expanded through a Children’s Visiting Committee, comprising professionals from the medical, legal, and social work sectors. Their reports will be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

On the issue of child safety, Dr. Persaud reiterated that the CPA reserves the right to close any facility found in breach of child protection standards.

“This is not about punishment; it’s about responsibility. The State has a duty to ensure every child under its care is protected physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she affirmed.

Minister Persaud congratulated the nine newly licensed homes, urging others to follow suit and emphasised that licensing marks the start of ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of care for children.