March 14, 2025
Mother allegedly beats 4-yr-old daughter to death – Kaieteur News
The girl’s mother was found allegedly striking her daughter on the head five times with a piece of wood.
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March 27, 2025
Wismar man caught mistreating toddler charged
The footage showed the child hanging from a bed sheet, was filmed by father and sent to mother’s phone.
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March 9, 2025
Patentia mother arrested for child abuse
Mother arrested for brutally beating her baby; she recorded the abuse and sent it to the child’s father.
Noticeably, headlines have reported numerous cases of child abuse. This has ranged from a Brutal Acid attack on primary school children to a 4-year-old losing her life due to being beaten in the head by her mother. It therefore begs the question: how can we protect our children? In this three-part series, we will examine the legal framework for the protection of our children under the Childcare and Protection Agency Act, Chapter 46:07.
The Childcare and Protection Agency, Programme Three of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, was created in 2009 through the implementation of the Childcare and Protection Agency Act, Chapter 46:07. Its mandate includes the protection of at-risk children and those in difficult circumstances as well as the prevention of all forms of child abuse. The Agency offers psychosocial support to abused children and their families.
One of the key pieces of legislation that governs the Childcare and Protection Agency is the Protection of Children Act, Chapter 46:06. This Act details the functions of the Agency, the roles that its staff and the general public play in keeping every child safe, as well as some of the offences against children.
We shall therefore learn:
- What our laws say about child abuse?
- What we can do to ensure every child is safe?
What Do I Need to Know About the Protection of Children Act?
- Who is a child?
Section 2 of the Protection of Children Act defines a child as a person below the age of eighteen (18) years. It means that any male or female from birth to the age of seventeen years is considered a child.
It also extends to persons with special needs, regardless of their age. These persons have attained the age of majority, but for the purpose of the Act and its provisions, they are afforded the protection as if they were under the age of eighteen (18) years.
- Considerations and Principles (section 4)
The paramount consideration in every matter and/or decision that relates to children shall be the best interest of the child. The emotional and physical well-being, safety, health and overall wellness and development of a child must be prioritised and a decision made accordingly.
The family unit is important and necessary for every child. It is one of the reasons why removal of a child from their home environment is a last resort and only done when it is in the best interest of the child. Although the family has the primary responsibility to support the safety, health and well-being of a child, the community also plays a supportive role.
Prevention is key. Psychosocial support cannot erase the memory or the negative effects of abuse on a child, so prevention is best. No child should have to live with the effects of abuse.
Depending on the age of a child, their views may be considered. Children who are twelve (12) years or older are presumed to be capable of understanding and expressing an opinion regarding their care and custody. Their views are therefore taken into consideration. However, where a child is below the age of twelve (12) years, their views shall only be taken into consideration where they display sufficient maturity and understanding.
- Protective Intervention
Section 6 of the Act lists some examples of when a child is in need of protective intervention, that is, where the child is in a difficult situation that requires intervention by the Agency to ensure their best interest is prioritised.
These circumstances include where a child:
- is or is at risk of being physically, emotionally, sexually, or verbally abused;
- is or is at risk of being abused by a person and the child’s parent, guardian or caregiver fails to take action to protect the child;
- is abandoned;
- needs medical, psychiatric, surgical or remedial care or treatment and the child’s parent or guardian fails to obtain or permit the child to be treated as recommended by a qualified medical professional;
- [child’s] parents are deceased or the parent(s) cannot care for the child and fail(s) to make adequate provision for care;
- [child’s] environment is filled with violence;
- is neglected;
- has committed or threatened to or is encouraged to commit serious or non-serious offences; and/or
- is exposed to drugs or other obscene material or objects.
Conclusion
The Protection of Children Act is a key piece of legislation governing the protection of all children in Guyana. This Act creates the Childcare and Protection Agency, which is the body responsible for all children. It also sets out the roles, functions, and powers given to the Agency and its human resources.
So far in Part 1 of this Series, we have examined who is considered a child, some important considerations and principles governing the Agency as well as circumstances that would render a child to be in need of protective intervention. There are several other provisions in the Act that we shall examine in Parts 2 and 3, including the strict duty that all persons have to report instances of child abuse.
Remember, child abuse is everybody’s business. Help to keep every child safe.