-Minister Persaud meets with Children’s Visiting Committee to strengthen standards

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Monday afternoon, held a crucial meeting with members of the Children’s Visiting Committee to address key issues affecting the well-being of children residing in both state-owned and privately operated care homes across Guyana.

The meeting focused on several priority areas, including the safety and structural soundness of facilities, timely access to nutritious meals, availability of clean water and proper sanitation, and the overall physical and mental health of children in care. The forum also reviewed how complaints and concerns raised by children are addressed by house parents and administrative staff.
Minister Persaud emphasised the importance of training for caregivers, noting that those responsible for children must be equipped to offer the highest quality of support and protection.

Other areas of discussion included the introduction of extracurricular programmes such as agricultural activities, and strategies to support the successful re-integration of children into society upon reaching adulthood.
The meeting also allowed members of the Visiting Committee to share firsthand observations, submit recommendations, and highlight areas requiring urgent intervention, thereby guiding the Ministry’s policy and operational response.

Also in attendance were Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ms. Levine Gouveia, and Manager (ag) of Care Services, Mr. Orette Francois.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing improvements within the childcare system to ensure every child in institutional care is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.