Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) Ann Greene is appealing for the members of the public to report all cases of child abuse.
Speaking to Stabroek News on Thursday at her Broad Street office, Greene said that people often see things but look the other way although they have a duty to intervene.
For example, Greene said, anyone who comes across a pregnant underage girl should immediately inquire. “You can find out a little bit more [and] report in on the hotline (227-0979). What we say to people is that you don’t have to know in fact if it’s abuse. If it doesn’t look right… it should be reported,” she stressed. She noted that teachers, in particular, are the frontrunners for spotting abuse. “You can spot it. You watch children at play and you know what environment they come from,” she said. She added that the media also has a role to play in spreading awareness about child abuse and helping to curb it.
Greene pointed out that underage pregnancies are being hidden to the point where the child is not taken to the hospital as if they are the CC&PA will be informed. She said that all hospitals, whether private or public, have a duty to report underage pregnancies. She said that the Protection of Children Act 2009 holds professionals accountable and if a doctor who looks at an underage pregnant child doesn’t report it the law says that he/she will be held liable. “You must report abuse. Teachers must report, doctors…all professionals. You have to,” she stressed.
Greene also said there are certain services people can access if they find themselves in difficulties with childcare. “I want you to raise your consciousness… [know] that you have a duty and a responsibility,” she stressed.
A report of child abuse can be made to the CC&PA’s hotline, to the Ministry of Social Protection or the nearest police station. If desired, a visit can be made to the Agency’s office, located at Broad Street, to report child abuse or any other matter related to children.
Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) Ann Greene is appealing for the members of the public to report all cases of child abuse.
Speaking to Stabroek News on Thursday at her Broad Street office, Greene said that people often see things but look the other way although they have a duty to intervene.
For example, Greene said, anyone who comes across a pregnant underage girl should immediately inquire. “You can find out a little bit more [and] report in on the hotline (227-0979). What we say to people is that you don’t have to know in fact if it’s abuse. If it doesn’t look right… it should be reported,” she stressed. She noted that teachers, in particular, are the frontrunners for spotting abuse. “You can spot it. You watch children at play and you know what environment they come from,” she said. She added that the media also has a role to play in spreading awareness about child abuse and helping to curb it.
Greene pointed out that underage pregnancies are being hidden to the point where the child is not taken to the hospital as if they are the CC&PA will be informed. She said that all hospitals, whether private or public, have a duty to report underage pregnancies. She said that the Protection of Children Act 2009 holds professionals accountable and if a doctor who looks at an underage pregnant child doesn’t report it the law says that he/she will be held liable. “You must report abuse. Teachers must report, doctors…all professionals. You have to,” she stressed.
Greene also said there are certain services people can access if they find themselves in difficulties with childcare. “I want you to raise your consciousness… [know] that you have a duty and a responsibility,” she stressed.
A report of child abuse can be made to the CC&PA’s hotline, to the Ministry of Social Protection or the nearest police station. If desired, a visit can be made to the Agency’s office, located at Broad Street, to report child abuse or any other matter related to children.
