St Helena : Are we safeguarding our children and young people?
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 10.10.2007 (Article Archived on 24.10.2007)
All children have the right to be protected and kept safe from harm. We all have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people – whether we work with children or families, are a parent, family member or a concerned member of the community.
ARE WE SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN and young people?
All children have the right to be protected and kept safe from harm. We all have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people – whether we work with children or families, are a parent, family member or a concerned member of the community.
So to all politicians, parents, families, and neighbours; as well as police, health, social work, and education authorities; Non-Government Organisations and people who work directly with children and young people; and the St Helena community as a whole, the question is posed:
Are we really safeguarding our children and young people?
PARENTS/GUARDIANS LEAVING CHILDREN BEHIND
It is apparent that some parents feel compelled to pursue overseas employment and leave their children in care with family or friends. Since January of this year the Social Work Division has dealt with 12 such cases reported to them.
Convention for the Rights of the Child
Article 7 (1) in part states: “The child shall have, … as far as possible, the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents.”
Article 18 states that all of us must recognise the principle that parents have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of the child. The best interest of the child is their basic concern.
Therefore, parents/guardians must ask themselves:
Ø Is financial gain more important then all the other aspects of my child’s development and well-being?
Ø Can the person or persons I am asking to care for my children take on ALL the responsibilities that are required of parents and meet ALL the needs of my child?
The St Helena Government has a duty under the law to promote the welfare of children. In order to comply with that duty, from this date forward parents or guardians planning to leave the island and their child or children behind will be required to let the Social Work Division know no less then three months in advance. This period is to enable proper and thorough enquiries to be made. The initial information that must be provided shall include what they are proposing to do and the persons they are proposing as carers/guardians for their children. An in-depth comprehensive assessment process will follow involving the parents/guardians, the children (according to age and understanding) and the proposed guardians. However, the needs of the child or children will be the focus and objective of the assessment.
If information is withheld or false information given then this could amount to a criminal offence and may lead to court action. Also, if it is seen that the assessment will not be accomplished within the time left or the assessment show that the proposed care is not appropriate then an application will be made to the court for a stop order that is, to stop the parent/guardian from leaving the island (Child Care Ordinance, Cap 82 Section 142) and/or an application is made to the Governor to withhold the parent’s/guardian’s passport (Children’s and Young Persons Ordinance, Cap 83 Section 26).
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE LEFT UNSUPERVISED
Another area of concern is as follows:
Children are allowed to go out on their own until late at night or until early hours of the next morning without adult supervision. This seems to happen mostly on a Saturday night.
Do the parents know exactly where their children are? Do they know whom their children are with? Do they know what their children are doing? Do they know whether someone is taking advantage of their child or abusing them? Maybe your child is in an environment where alcohol is used and possibly abused. Any scenario could be painted!
Parents/Guardians, by allowing your child or children to be in situations like these could be tantamount to neglect in that your child may have experienced, could be experiencing, or could be in the future experiencing unnecessary suffering. Children and Young Persons Ordinance Cap 83 Section 6 (1)).
SO
Are we safeguarding our children and young people?
Public Health and Social Services Department
10 October 2007
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