An effort is underfoot to ensure that Children’s Homes become fully licensed and in a state of readiness by March 31.
This is according Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Gender and Child Affairs Ayanna Webster Roy.
She made the comment while speaking at the 13th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, Equality and Diversity – An examination of the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Report by the Independent Investigation Team appointed by the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Investigate Reports of Child Abuse at Children’s Homes.
Webster Roy explained that the Government was also seeking alternative means of care and protection for the children, given that there was some concern for those who reside in homes that may still be unlicensed come March 31.
She referred to the Draft Policy on Kinship Care as one solution
She said that the Children’s Authority indicated that the capacity of the licensed homes would be able to absorb some 60 children from unlicensed homes.
Member of the JSC Anita Haynes sought to receive clarity on what would happen to those children who fell outside of the 60 children earmarked to receive care should their homes remain unlicensed passed the March 31 deadlines.
Webster Roy referred to the Draft Policy on Kinship Care as one alternative.
She also explained that she was fully confident that the homes would be ready by the March timeline.
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