Georgetown: More than 4000 child abuse cases were reported in 2012, most of which fall under the category of neglect, according to Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster.
Webster said there were 64 cases in Region One; 126 in Region Two; 753 in Region Three; 717 in Region Four; 360 on the East Bank of Demerara; 600 in North Georgetown and 495 in South Georgetown; 223 in Region Five; 280 in Region Six; 32 in Region Seven; 55 in Regions Eight and Nine and 397 in Region 10.
Those numbers were further aligned with specific factors/cases; 1547 were cases of neglect; 742 sexual abuse; 729 physical abuse; 205 verbal abuse and 879 for custody, teenage pregnancy, access, and delinquency. With the coming on stream of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), under the purview of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, more child abuse cases are being reported.
Meanwhile, the minister said that the foster care programme introduced to ensure children have a stable life around people who love them, has been successfully expanding. She said there are 150 children living with 90 foster parents. The foster families are receiving a cash transfer of $18,000 (per child) from government every month. The programme continues to strengthen awareness programmes to encourage more persons to open their homes and hearts to these children. Special training programmes were also conducted for potential foster parents and those who have children in their care.
You must be logged in to post a comment.