Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud on Thursday hosted an informal engagement with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) officers to discuss the challenges and the changes needed to make the child protection system more efficient and effective.
According to a Ministry of Human Services and Social Security statement on the meeting, Persaud reiterated that it was a good time and the perfect opportunity to have these discussions on how the services can be better while committing to supporting and facilitating the development of the sector.
“I believe one thing that should propel us forward and that should continue to motivate us and energize us is our passion and love for children. Love for children can never be manufactured, love for children has to come from deep within,” Persaud was quoted as saying.
Persaud added that the Ministry is working to increase shelters for children in the hinterland region as well as the amplified approach to partnering with the community through the ‘Every child safe’ campaign.
Meanwhile, she also praised the efforts of CPA Director Ann Greene for her stewardship and dedication, not only with leadership but her passion and drive.
Recognizing that mental health is a challenge, Persaud revealed that there will be an agreement inked to provide free counseling to the officers.
“If you feel challenged and pressured to the extent that your mental health is affected, do not be afraid to reach out and ask for this service, in the world we live in, if we do not take care of ourselves, no one will but in this ministry, we will, we want to ensure that this is offered to you for you,” she said.
Persaud also indicated that discussions are already in place between Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Principal Personnel Officer, Rafael Boodhoo to address staffing issues.
With nine Masters of Social Work graduates in the agency, the Minister expressed her delight in hearing about their upward mobility in academia and pledged to see how they could be best utilised and to contribute more towards childcare development.
Meanwhile, the statement said Greene also addressed the meeting and she highlighted that the agency, which moved from its establishment in 2009 with a director and four borrowed social work officers, now has a staff of 180 and seven units and is still evolving.
Greene, who has over 50 years in the public service, pointed out that having certificates does not make you qualified but rather the experience and passion. She admitted that improvements are always needed and officers should be cognisant of their responsibilities to the child.
She urged them to be solutions-based and results-oriented with planning and time management.
Presentations, strategies and data came from each region, the Family Court Unit, Early Childhood Development Unit, Adoption, Foster Care and Family Support Services Units.
Manager of Childhood Development, Comcheeta Gray stated that her issues were addressed by the Minister. Gray said, “I think the Minister is very much into early childhood and yes I think our issues and concerns were resolved.”
Kaycina Jadrine, Manager of Adoption Services said the interaction with the minister was an excellent one. “We believe that is a forum where officers can contact the Minister directly and properly engage her and she is clearer on some of the issues we have at the Child Care and Protection Agency and we have already started to come up with ideas and initiatives on how we can better improve our services so I believe this is a great one.”
