Govt to finalise Child Care Board, NAB merger

crucial meeting with union representatives is set for Wednesday to finalise details of the amalgamation of the Child Care Board and the National Assistance Board, Minister of People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey announced Tuesday.

The merger, which is at an advanced stage, will create a new entity called the Family Services Agency.

“The amalgamation, as I said, is actually very advanced. We’re just fine-tuning a few things with the unions,” Humphrey said, emphasising the government’s commitment to resolving any outstanding issues and ensuring a smooth transition for both organisations.

The comprehensive restructuring will not only combine the Child Care Board and the National Assistance Board but also incorporate services from the Welfare Department and the National Disabilities Unit. As part of this transition, the Reverend Wayne Kirton, the NAB’s current chairman, will assume leadership of the Child Care Board.

Humphrey explained the rationale behind this leadership change: “It makes sense as we begin the process of moving towards amalgamating so that we have one common set of ideas as we move forward.”

The minister highlighted that the legislation guiding these boards is significantly outdated, with much of it originating from the National Assistance Act of 1969.

“The truth is that the current legislation that guides most of the social services is very old. It has really no bearing on modern realities,” he said.

The National Assistance Act provides help to those in need, including people who are unable to work due to a disability or lack of resources. The 1948 version of the law established the National Assistance Board.

To address this misalignment with contemporary needs, new legislation is being drafted.

Humphrey said: “We just had a final meeting with the drafters. The legislation will be to bring into legal being and legal force the new entity, the new Family Services Agency.”

The minister expressed optimism that the draft legislation will be debated in Parliament by next month, setting the stage for the new agency’s formal establishment.

Humphrey was speaking after a church service to close out Senior Citizens’ Month at the James Street Methodist Church. He highlighted the difficulties NAB workers face, noting that they are sometimes subjected to hostility and unsafe environments.

“I have had a number of persons come to me and tell me that when they’re trying to do their duties, it becomes more difficult,” he said, citing instances where staff were forced to navigate tense situations, including hostile family disputes and unwelcoming neighbourhoods.

Humphrey also highlighted instances where NAB workers’ efforts to assist the vulnerable often lead to them being caught in family disputes.

“People have to deal with dogs or neighbours or family members who are feuding,” he said. “Our staff, when they come to a household, are coming to do work on behalf of the government but also on behalf of the older person on behalf of the family. This has to stop.”

Humphrey stressed that NAB employees play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of elderly citizens and deserve to be treated with dignity and appreciation.

Thanking the workers, he said: “I know that sometimes the press and the public can be a little bit harsh, but the work that has to be done in social services is just way too important.”

Beyond the treatment of NAB workers, the minister urged Barbadians to take greater responsibility for caring for the elderly. He warned that societal changes have led to a decline in family and community support, which has traditionally been the backbone of elder care.

“There’s a tendency to think these days that the government must be able to do everything. Traditionally, the mechanisms of care that perpetuated life were not located in the government,” he pointed out.

The minister also used the opportunity to praise financial institutions for measures taken to protect the assets of elderly persons.

“If an older person has dementia and a family member shows up asking to move the assets into their name, a lot of banks are saying ‘no’; that you need to either come with some support from the ministry, or you need to have a power of attorney or something that gives you the authority to be able to claim these assets,” he explained.

Humphrey called for a “whole-of-country approach” to address the issues faced by the elderly in Barbados, emphasising that everyone has a part to play.

“If we do this together, we will be able to survive, and Barbados will be much better for it,” he concluded. “Together, we will be able to create an environment where our elderly can thrive and we can build a Barbados that truly cares for all its citizens.”

(RG)