Child Protection Week in Guyana this year will focus on parenting and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security has  announced that the  commemoration will be held  from   September 19 to 25,  a release from the Child Care & Protection Agency stated.

During Child Protection Week, activities  will centre  on changing  the  way children are viewed, treated and cared, with the objective of ensuring that  children are  safe in their homes while receiving the care and attention that  promote their well-being and  enable  them to realize their highest potential.

An examination of the data collected by the Child Care & Protection Agency for the first half of the year revealed  that 1,584 children were abused with mothers and fathers being the main perpetrators.

The release noted further that 101 children were separated from their parents and placed in institutions, and over 700 children are now in institutions.

Although institutional placement may be the best option at the time for these children, a child has a right to a family and to be brought up free from harm and abuse, the release concluded.