In a strong commitment to protect the welfare of its children, the government of Montserrat has recently announced a significant funding boost for its Child Safeguarding initiatives. In light of rising concerns over child sexual abuse and violence, as well as collaborative efforts with international partners like DFID and UNICEF, this new injection of funds is set to drive crucial reforms and support services across the island.

New Funding Announcement and Objectives

 

At a recent press conference, the Governor confirmed that £253,000 has been ring-fenced as part of the 2015-16 budgetary aid settlement with DFID. This move is designed to implement recommendations from a comprehensive child safeguarding review, ensuring that vulnerable children are protected and supported through a range of targeted measures. The funding is expected to have a transformative impact on the community, enhancing both preventive and responsive actions in child protection.

Planned Initiatives:

  • Payments for Foster Carers: Financial support will be provided to foster carers, ensuring that children in need of alternative care are well looked after.
  • Establishment of a Family Centre: A dedicated center will be set up to serve as a hub for support services and counselling for affected families.
  • Experienced Family Lawyer on Call: A seasoned family lawyer will be contracted to assist in navigating the court system for safeguarding cases.
  • Specialist Training for Police: Training will be provided to equip police with advanced techniques, including forensic examination of mobile phones and computer equipment, to better investigate child abuse.
  • Support for Spanish-Speaking Children: Special measures will be introduced to help integrate Spanish-speaking children into the community, including formal English language teaching.
  • Recruitment of School Guidance Counselors: Two additional school guidance counselors will be hired to provide mental health and academic support.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Ongoing efforts will raise awareness about child sexual abuse and exploitation to foster community vigilance and prevention.

These initiatives are designed to build a robust framework for child safeguarding, ensuring that the necessary support structures are in place to protect children and address abuse effectively.

Legislative and Policy Enhancements

Alongside these direct support measures, the government is also focused on reinforcing the legal and policy framework surrounding child protection. The Attorney General’s Office is set to begin work on the draft Child Care and Protection Bill, which will formalize and strengthen the legal processes for safeguarding cases. This legislative effort is a key step in ensuring that the rights and welfare of children are legally protected.

Progress is being made on establishing a Child Safeguarding Board. Although the board’s development has been in the information-gathering phase so far, the government is looking to emulate models from within the region, Barbados, for example, already has a functioning board. The Department of Social Services is also in discussions with officials from St Helena to share best practices on board composition and terms of reference, further reinforcing the island’s commitment to comprehensive child protection.