Former Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (C&PA), Ann Greene, believes the recent death of a teen mom, and the brutal stabbing of another, have left behind a trail of unanswered questions on whether established protocols that are meant to protect children are being followed.

In a letter to the press, Ms. Greene said the recent incidents have also bought into sharp focus the functioning of the Childcare and Protection Agency.

Last week, the tragic incidents rocked the nation, with citizens expressing outrage.

In Region Two, 14-year-old Aleena Preetam, was found motionless in her bed. A post-mortem examination later revealed that the teen, who had given birth a month ago, had suffered from heart failure and anemia.

In Berbice, a 15-year-old girl, who is also a young mother, was stabbed 25 times by the father of her child. She remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the New Amsterdam Hospital fighting for her life.

In a statement, the former C&PA Director said the tragedies are causing her “anguish.”

With decades of experience, the retired Director questioned the response of the Child Care and Protection Agency in both cases.

Pointing out that the age of consent for sexual activity is sixteen years, Greene said, it therefore means that once a teenager below the age of consent gives birth to a child,   the medical officers are bound by the Child Protection Laws to report the matter to the Agency.

She explained that the Agency is mandated to intervene for the protection of both the teen mom and her child, and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.

“Protection involves the children being taken into safe places with the babies for care while the cases are being investigated, and if adult perpetrators are involved, they must be charged for statutory rape. In care, both mother and baby would be cared for by the state and continuation of school would have been a must,” the former C&PA Director said.

The tragic incidents, Greene said, are clear indications that all is not well at the Childcare and Protection Agency as she questioned the agency’s leadership and the execution of its mandate.

She said there are reports that individuals are placed in high positions with no training and understanding of their roles, responsibilities and Child Protection laws. 

Greene said the worrying issue appears to be a common trend in the Ministry of Human Services.

According to her, serious intervention is needed at this stage to save the Childcare & Protection Agency and the Probation & Social Services and all the other professional departments, that are crying out for informed and effective leadership.

Greene said qualified specialists are needed to fill the top positions, so that they can give informed and professional guidance and answers to the Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Permanent Secretary.

She said there is a great need now to save the two main Departments of the Ministry: Probation & Social Services and Childcare & Protection Agency, noting that they are key agencies for service and protection of children, young people and seniors.

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