Forty girls in Government-run homes are to benefit from transitional living arrangements under a US$1,388,000 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grants initiative. During the year 2015 an additional amount of US$67,868 was allocated to the grant. The grant which supports citizen safety and security, provides for the implementation of a transitional living programme for children in State care over three years
The project is being implemented by the UWI Global Campus Caribbean Child Development Centre (CCDC), in partnership with the Child Development Agency (CDA). It is expected to impact and improve the lives of up to 400 children.
Speaking at the launch at the UWI’s Regional Headquarters, Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna acknowledged that there is need for more transitional care facilities in the island for this vulnerable group.
She informed that ongoing reforms of the state-care system for children had seen marked improvements in academics, with wards achieving up to 10 CSEC subjects with majority being distinctions, and matriculating to tertiary institutions. The Minister noted that the Government has expended $1.7 billion on the approximately 5,000 children in 50 homes. This expenditure extends to children in foster care programmes, and those who have been kept out of the system through the provision of resources to parents and relatives.
Mission Director of the USAID, Denise Herbol, applauded the work of the CDA and the CCDC in getting the project off the ground, noting that the goals of the partnership are to reduce the risk factors associated with low education, inadequate job and life skills and poor self-image.
Vice Chancellor of the UWI, Professor E. Nigel Harris, in lauding the initiative, said it represents one of the stellar examples of how the CCDC, over many years, has been making a difference in the lives of Caribbean youth. “I am really hopeful that we can continue and broaden this partnership in ways that will contribute to development across the whole region,” he said.
Miss Hanna emphasised that the significant strides had been made through the CDA, citing the implementation of a system which electronically manages children once they enter State care. The system involves input from the Ministry of Justice, the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), and other stakeholder agencies. “You can track a child from they come in, right until they exit,” she said.
The Transitional Living Programme for Children in State Care Project will create appropriate and safe transitional living facility for 40 girls on their exit from State care.
It will provide for improved preparation of children who have reached the age of 18 and are about to leave residential care. This will be carried out through the establishment of an “exit-readiness” programme, which focuses on job and life skills training and mentorship. The programme will also cover matters such as lifestyle choices, health, family, employability, the environment, and secure public-private partnership.
Photo (top): (l-r) Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Denise Herbo; Executive Director of the Child Development Agency (CDA), Rosalee Gage-Grey; Principal of the UWI Global Campus, Professor Eudine Barriteau: Deputy Principal of the UWI Global Campus and former Head of CCDC, Professor Julie Meeks Gardner; Chairman of the Child Development Agency (CDA) Children’s Advisory Pane, Charles Young; Arnett Gardens resident, Jasmine Barnes; Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna; and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor E. Nigel Harris.
Photo (middle): (l-r) Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Denise Herbo; Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor E. Nigel Harris
Photo (bottom) (l-r): Professor V. Eudine Barriteau, Principal of the UWI Global Campus; Professor Julie Meeks, Deputy Principal, UWI Global Campus and former Head of CCDC; and Actg Head of CCDC Ms. Ceceile Minott
