The July-August School Vacation period is here, and as such the Child Protection Authority (CPA) takes this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of the awesome responsibility that is theirs to ensure the care and protection of their children, particularly during this time.
We present some tips that can help in achieving this:
- Ensure children are properly supervised by trusted and responsible adults at all times.
- Know the whereabouts of your children and whom they are with.
- Teach children emergency contact numbers.
- Make emergency numbers visible around the home.
- Encourage children to get involved in safe, productive activities.
- Make home as hazard-free as possible.
- Be available to spend time and communicate with your children.
- Follow the necessary Covid-19 health protocols (handwashing, sanitising, mask-wearing, etc.)
- Have a safety plan in place for the Hurricane Season.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are also advised to familiarise themselves with the physical and behavioural warning signs of abuse. Believe, and take the necessary steps, when children disclose abuse or express discomfort about situations that can lead to abuse.
At the Child Protection Authority, we cannot overemphasise the fact that child protection is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. Therefore, we invite all members of society to commit to making our public and private spaces as safe as possible for ALL our children.
If you have reason to believe that a child’s safety and well-being are endangered, or wish to learn more about child protection, please feel free to contact the Child Protection Authority on 435-0293. For Emergencies, call 533-6990 or 911.
Child Protection Authority CPA
