New legislation creates new authority to safeguard children

A new child protection agency is to be established under the new Child Protection Bill.

A corporate body known as the Child Protection Authority is to be set up, according to Section 8 of the Bill which makes provisions for reforming the law on the care and protection of children.

The legislation also makes provision for the establishment of a Child Protection Board to be headed by a director, that shall be responsible for the formulation of the policy of the Authority and for the general administration of the Authority.

The Authority will have the right to employ the required staff for the performance of its functions and is to be funded primarily by the Government.

“The funds of the Authority shall comprise such amounts as may be voted for the purpose by Parliament, all amounts payable to or vested in the Authority and gifts to the Authority from any person, organisation or body,” according to the Bill which was recently laid in Parliament.

“The Authority shall apply its monies for the payment of its officers and employees, the maintenance of its child care centres, the making of grants to private child care centres and such other purposes as are necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act,” it added.

Section 9 outlines the powers and duties of the Authority, noting that it shall provide care, protection and rehabilitation of a child, investigate a complaint or report made in relation to a child or the mistreatment of a child, remove a child from his home, child care centre or environment where it is shown that the child is in danger and monitor the operation of a child care centre and conduct reviews to determine its compliance with any statutory provision.

It will also be responsible for issuing guidelines to child care centres; establishing, with the approval of the Minister, policies and procedures respecting all aspects of child care centres; providing consultation and direction to relevant authorities respecting child care centres; providing services and promoting the development, adoption and evaluation of policies and procedures and promote and safeguard the safety and welfare of a child.

The Child Protection Authority will also be responsible for assessing and investigating a complaint or report and provide an assessment of any such complaint or report.

It shall also “act as an advocate to promote the rights of children, take all necessary steps to prevent children from suffering abuse or neglect; promote and facilitate contact between a child and his parent, relative, friend or other person connected with him unless it is not in the best interest of the child or where it is not reasonably practicable; inspect a place or premises where a child resides; approve any programme or service in relation to the development, rehabilitation or welfare of a child”.

Additionally, the Authority shall advise the Minister and other persons on matters relating to child care centres, programmes, facilities and resources necessary to carry out the requirements under this Act; report to the Minister the operation and administration of this Act; and whether or not the purpose and the principles of this Act are being achieved.

The Authority may also provide advice, guidance and counselling; occupational, social, cultural or recreational activities and any other service as may be required for the care and protection of a child.

Furthermore, it will be required to submit a report of its proceedings in respect of child care and protection to the minister every calendar year. This report, which is to be laid in Parliament, shall be published by the Authority following consultation with the minister.

The Board, meanwhile, shall comprise a chairman, a deputy chairman “and such other members as the minister may appoint by instrument in writing”.

“The Board may, with the approval of the minister, appoint a person to be the Director of Child Protection, who shall be an employee of the Authority at such remuneration and on such terms and conditions as the Minister approves in writing,” according to the Child Protection Bill.

It added that the director is subject to the directions of the Board and is responsible to the Board for the execution and management of the affairs of the Authority.

marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb