Wednesday, September 26 2012

The Children’s Authority has visited children’s home in the country to see conditions, and is developing standards for these facilities.

Head of the Authority Senior Counsel Marilyn Stephanie Daly yesterday said the authority was not yet “up and running” but had visited homes, and was developing a baseline study.

In an interview at Crowne Plaza, Port-of-Spain yesterday she said developing of standards was taking place so there will be consistency in evaluating the homes.

“As soon as legislation is proclaimed (the Children’s Authority (Amendment) Bill 2008), we have to receive applications within three months, and process them within six months, so what we are trying to do is gain an understanding, try and make sure we are talking to stakeholders and that the standards we are going to set are appropriate. It makes no sense in setting standards nobody can comply with. What we want is something which functions, and works well.”

Daly said in the future the Authority would try to assist with upgrading of homes and training, and make sure suitable persons are employed. “We are trying to raise standards.”

Members of the Authority received their instruments of appointment in March this year, and “preparatory work” was still taking place.

Daly said the legislation contained time-lines which are triggered when the Act is proclaimed, and the Authority must be prepared to respond in all areas.

“We are trying to get staff on board, and make sure we have proper accommodations,” she said.

The mandate of the Authority includes: protecting children, managing assessment centres for children, developing foster care system, monitoring and regulating community residences/foster care and nurseries, providing assistance to the child trafficking unit.