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British endorse local child home standards
The British High Commission has pledged its full support behind the minimum operational standards and regulations for children’s homes in Guyana.
British High Commission Project Officer Sarah Wheeler has endorsed the initiative of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Mrs. Wheeler, who is the wife of British High Commissioner to Guyana, Fraser Wheeler, applauded Minister Priya Manickchand for her energetic and focused approach to numerous social issues.
Mentioning the legal aid extension service, the domestic violence policy, the single-parent register, the Stamp It Out consultation and the childcare protection initiative, Mrs. Wheeler joked that she “just could not keep up with the minister.”
Mrs. Wheeler noted that, in order to safeguard the rights of children, there must be clear guidelines of acceptable standards.
She pointed out that the ministry is not seeking to close any of those homes that fail to meet the standards.
However, as a volunteer on the Child Protection Board, Mrs Wheeler said, she is aware of the challenges some homes may encounter in reaching those requirements. She, nevertheless, acceded that if these safe houses consistently fail, checks and balances must be applied.
The Project Officer stressed that a way forward for many of the children’s homes would be to reorganise management, revive record keeping, supervise behaviour, and instill respect.
Mrs. Wheeler detailed that, in regards to physical infrastructure, many of these homes must include fire escape routes. According to her, caregivers are not only to provide shelter, but an important step in a child’s development is to nurture talents.
Mrs. Wheeler urged caregivers to convert the institutional atmosphere into a warm, domestic environment similar to that of a home.
“These children would have already had sad experiences and need extra special care and attention to pull them back from the brink of anger, frustration and resentment,” Mrs. Wheeler said.
She cautioned caregivers against making children feel isolated, and warned that the alternative can be a life of crime.
“We must ensure that they are not permanently disadvantaged, but grow up to be respected, productive citizens through access to education and social care.”
She disclosed that the Child Protection Unit is currently looking into the possibility of foster homes for younger residents.
There are 22 safe houses, including private and public ones, which are expected to implement the 25 minimum standards within a year.
Among the rights are: to ensure child rights are respected; promote the individuality of each child; enable the child to grow with a sense of belonging; encourage contact between child and family; respect privacy, dignity and personal expression; facilitate participation in sports; ensure child attends school; encourage the right to a religion; maintain a compliant procedure; allow participation in decision making; monitor visitors; assess staff fitness; reinforce socially acceptable behaviour; adopt emergency measures; aim to reintegrate children; provide a balanced diet; and ensure hygienic practices and regular medical checks.
Minister Priya Manickchand said the intention is to ensure that each child resides with their family. However, where the home environment is not conducive, or children are displaced, Manickchand said, they must be institutionalised.
“When they find themselves displaced or misplaced and natural homes do not allow for a safe environment, we have to place them in these care homes,” the minister said.
She stressed that the ultimate goal would be to reunite each child with relatives, but each case is not apt to reintegration.
In these circumstances, Manickchand stated, foster care would apply to those who are eligible.
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