Child Protection in Focus After Shocking Incident

Here’s a strong message from the Ministry of Human Development, one that leaves no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of our children. Just days ago, an alarming incident was reported at the New Beginnings Youth Development Centre. A minor was allegedly subjected to violence by a staff member, and the ministry has wasted no time in responding. The child was immediately given medical attention, and by the next day, escorted to the Hattieville Police Station to give an official statement. The family was informed right away, and now, the ministry is awaiting their feedback to move forward with the criminal investigation.

 

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“When we learned of the situation and we do have footage, we took immediate action. The CEO immediately, with the help of the supervisors, put the two people involved on administrative leave. So they were escorted immediately off the compound, put on administrative leave and because this happened after lunch and into  the evening of Thursday, the preparations and the paperwork for their termination was ongoing on Friday and it was not completed. I am assured that that process has been completed today, and so the ministry has terminated their employment immediately. These are stressful situations, life is stressful, but there can be no excuse for an adult to hit a child. And so, that is the position of the ministry. That is my personal position, that cannot be either encouraged, condoned, or tolerated. So that’s where we stand on that. We have moved very swiftly. We try very hard to maintain the dignity of our residents.”