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Communities must be more involved in child protection – Ann Greene
Director of Children Services, Ann Greene says that much more needs to be done locally regarding child protection. She made the remarks while commenting on the murder of an eight- month old girl, allegedly at the hands of her 18-year-old mother Sita Charlie.
When contacted over the weekend, Ms. Greene’s initial checks with her case work supervisor revealed that this matter was not on record.
Nevertheless, Ms. Greene said stories of this nature show that in spite of all that is being done, more is needed from the society.
“Child Protection is not only the business of our Agency and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security but everyone’s business.”
Sita Charlie
“Neighbours, community members and community groups could be part of the solution to the problem of child abuse and neglect by seeking out families who find themselves in grave and vulnerable situations and linking them to services or by just reporting the situation to the authorities and keep reporting until something is done”.
She pointed out that, in the case of Sita Charlie, she was without the much needed help and support. “It appears that more could have been done at the family and community level.”
Ms. Greene noted that at the Child Care And Protection Agency, psychological support and other assistance to prevent child abuse and the prevention of separation of children from their parents are provided. She added that collaboration is also done with other agencies, religious bodies and groups to bring relief to families and assistance for the socially dysfunctional.
Greene lamented the fact that only recently a partnership with the “Guyana Mother’s Union” to conduct parenting classes at the community level across Guyana, was established. This project, Ms. Greene said is supported by UNICEF.
“This partnership with the Mother’s Union in our parent programme is a start….more organisations and individuals need to come on board if we are to win this fight to provide our children with the best care possible.”
According to Ms. Greene, the Child Care & Protection Agency has long ago recognised the need for forging partnerships in building a comprehensive child protection system for the children of Guyana.
“We have a mandate to provide education and training for parents and caregivers to ensure children are safe in their homes, receiving the care and attention that promote their well-being and for them to realise their highest potential, but this could only be successively accomplished with the involvement of members of community”.
Ms. Greene said it is tragic to see the loss of a child’s life in such a manner and at the start of Child Protection Week 2010, which commenced yesterday. On Thursday last, the concern of neighbours in Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo came a little too late for eight month-old Unita Charles, who was found dead in her mother’s latrine.
The baby was born to a teen mother who reportedly said she decided to end the baby’s life after becoming frustrated about being unable to take care of her. The baby was last seen alive two Sundays ago.
After neighbours received no satisfactory answer about the baby’s whereabouts so they decided to do their own investigation. On Thursday they made the gruesome discovery in a latrine not far from the mother’s home. The mother has since been taken into police custody assisting with investigations. She is expected in court sometime today.
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