Fatal fire at Drop In Centre…Commission recommends similar inspections be conducted at other care facilities

Aug 17, 2016 News

The Commission Of Inquiry, (COI) into the fire at the Drop in Centre has recommended that the

(GDF) retired Woman Colonel Windee Algernon

Ministry of Social Protection and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA) continue to focus on overhauling child protection, cutting red tape and improving the skills and knowledge of social workers, so that they could adequately protect children in the State’s care.
The recommendations are based on weeks of investigations into the fire that killed two young children at the Drop In Centre, (DIC) last month.
Based on the findings of the COI, there are recommendations for the Ministry of Social Protection to arrange and conduct inspections at all similar facilities nationwide.
The Commission spearheaded by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) retired Woman Colonel Windee Algernon also proposed that the appointment of Inspector of Homes be filled immediately to ensure compliance with the Minimum Operational Standards Regulations (MOSR).
Colonel Algernon said that emergency evacuation plans should be developed and practiced at all childcare facilities.
“These plans must include safety protocols….that in-house training including rehearsal be conducted for staff in crises management at all Child Care Centres…and Child Care Workers be given additional time away from the working in environment to allow them to relax after a period of work or tension.”
Additionally, the COI found that there were adequate written guidelines for the management of crisis situations, including fire.
“House Manager, House Supervisor or Social Service Assistance (SSAs) on duty seemed unfamiliar with them, consequently there were no rehearsals. Thus, when the fire occurred there was confusion and panic resulting in the tragedy.”
As such, Colonel Algernon called for suitably qualified staff to be recruited to meet the increasing demands of Child Care responsibilities.
“The COI found that the SSAs on duty did not possess the necessary qualification and experience for the responsibility given to them. According to the MOSR, qualifications for the position of SSAs (Caregivers) are a Diploma in Social Work, Sociology and three (3) years’ experience working with children, or a Trained Teacher’s Certificate along with a valid police clearance or a secondary education and ten (10) years’ experience caring for children.”
Additionally, with respect to the number of residents at the DIC at the time of the fire the children/staffer ratio should have been minimum of six (6) SSAs on duty to adequately meet the needs of the children.
“However, on the evening of the fire there were only two SSAs on duty.”
Preliminary findings by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fire that killed two young brothers at the Hadfield Street Drop In Centre, have revealed that there was a lack of fire prevention strategies and other systematic problems at the institution.
Last month, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon speaking at a post-cabinet news briefing, noted that the preliminary investigations revealed that there was a lack of fire prevention strategies and other systematic problems at the institution.
Minister Harmon had said that the government would await the report of the inquiry to decide on compensation for the parents of six-year-old Joshua George and his brother, four-year-old Antonio George.
The remains of the siblings were found among the debris shortly after firefighters extinguished the blaze which started around 12:05 hrs on June 8, last. The Drop-in-Centre housed 34 children at the time.
The two brothers and three other siblings were reportedly taken into the Drop-in Centre less than two days before the incident.
Medical examinations done at the Diamond Hospital had confirmed that the five siblings were victims of neglect and maltreatment. They were temporarily placed at the Home until further investigations could have been done.

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