Belize is taking a big step forward in protecting its most vulnerable citizens, its children. On Monday in Belize City, the Department of Human Services launched a national training program aimed at sharpening the skills of frontline social workers. It’s a week-long initiative designed to help these professionals produce stronger, court-ready reports, key tools in cases involving custody, adoption, and child protection. The training is being led by social policy expert Doctor Greg Nunez, with support from UNICEF, and it’s all about making sure every child’s best interest is front and center.
Shanti Morrison-Novelo, Director, Belize Family Court
“If we are to be concerned about the best interest of children, then we must be serious in continued education and training that impact the paramount consideration in all cases. To properly serve families and children, the court requires accurate reports, social workers who understand the importance of law and its legal requirements. Without continued training for social officers, we will have failed our society at large. I am most grateful for the desk review and subsequent review of the court-mandated social reports, the SIRs. They focus on ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and an adherence to establishing standards for social workers and the practice. In final, if we are serious about the work we do, my recommendations are as follows. To ensure that we have enhanced training for report writers on standardized report writing and objective assessments, continued training for social officers in capacity building, continued training on court practices and procedures for social workers.”
