Sensitisation sessions for collaboration between GPF, Child Care Agency
DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, May 17, 2018
Several Guyana Police Force officers and child protection team leaders will benefit from sensitisation sessions on abuse and child rights issues.
The two-day programme which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Social Protection (MOSP) and the Guyana Police Force, is designed as a cross-training exercise, for effective collaboration for partnership development.
It is being hosted under the theme “Working together for the protection of children and families.”
Director of Children Services, Ann Greene noted that, “Providing human services or social services is not a single agency task, and to effectively meet the needs of clients, it will require a network of interacting agencies and professionals to collaborate for positive outcomes for children and families.”
Green remarked that the GPF is the final personnel in the enforcement of child protection laws and serve as a “crucial partner to the Childcare and Protection Agency.” She reaffirmed the need for collaboration and the timeliness of the sessions.
“When inter-agency and inter-professional collaboration is carried out successfully, it improves the standard of care for users. This activity today is long overdue but it is timely since child abuse and assault of women in the home is at an all-time high and there is need for round-table discussions by key stakeholders.”
Commissioner of Police (ag) Paul Williams urged the officers to uphold the relationship with the MOSP, which would ultimately result in the success of the protection of children rights.
“What is important here is for you to ensure that you maintain that bridge and the relationship between the force and the Ministry of Social Protection. Try as much as possible to continue to strengthen this relationship and you will see the successes in terms of having children being given their rights and being protected”, he said.
The sensitisation sessions will focus on child protection and sexual offences laws, domestic and sexual violence reports, gender concepts and stereotyping and understanding trafficking in persons and providing victim assistance.
The child protection officers and police officers during the two days, will also work together and develop strategies to deal with domestic violence and child abuse in their division as first responders. The participants will receive certificates upon completion.
By Stephon Gabriel
Images courtesy of Jules Gibson