The Child Protection Steering Committee, the Department of Social Development and the Ministry of Social Development will be commencing phase three of the development of Child Protection Protocols for Anguilla. The development of Child Protection Protocol is one of the recommendations outlined in the Child Protection National Action Plan.

Under the SCOT Project (‘Safeguarding Children in the Overseas Territories Project’) sponsored by the Department for International Development (DfID), Anguilla is receiving assistance with the development of the protocols.

In this third phase, from Thursday March 4th, 2010 through Saturday March 6th , 2010, there will be meetings with civil society organizations including:

• Preschools
• Private Medical Centres
• Youth Organizations and other NGOs who work with Children
• Church Based Organizations
• Day Care Centres
• Tourism based Kids Recreation and Babysitting Services
• Interested Individuals and the Public at Large

The exchanges will engage Civil Society on issues of Child Protection and safeguarding children; introduce them to developing government policy and practice in relation to Safeguarding Children; explain the SCOT Project and encourage their involvement.

The previous two phases of the project included:
1. Consultation with the Child Protection Steering Committee (a multi-agency grouping of Government Departments whose remit includes working with children)
2. The completion of a draft multi-agency protocol on recognizing and referring child abuse cases
3. Consultation with and sensitization of Heads of Departments who work with children
4. Introducing a partnership working model that would ensure that the best interest of the child remains the focus
5. Consultation with and feedback from practitioners

Each Government agency needs to follow an agreed protocol for reporting suspected child abuse/neglect. Everyone who works with children needs to be aware of what is required of them in terms of reporting their suspicions.

The draft abbreviated guideline of the Child Protection Protocol is available at the Public Library and on www.gov.ai. The Ministry of Social Development anticipates that this phase of the exercise will assist in further developing the local Child Protection Protocols.

Notice of Meetings:
Civil Society Meeting (all Non Governmental Organizations, Private Establishments, and Interested Members of the Public) - Thursday March 4th 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Teachers’ Resource Centre Auditorium

Day Care Centre Operators – Saturday March 6th, 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Teachers’ Resource Centre Auditorium

-Press Release

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