As Carnival celebrations approach, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is renewing its call for parents, guardians and the wider national community to make child protection everybody’s business.
The Authority says while Carnival is a time to celebrate culture, creativity and heritage, it is also a period when children can be especially vulnerable.
Reports of neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse continue to make up the majority of cases handled by the organisation.
The Authority is urging adults to know the signs of abuse, teach children their rights, maintain open communication, and report any instances of maltreatment.
Parents are also reminded that children under 18 should always be left in the care of a trusted adult and not be responsible for younger siblings.
The public is encouraged to report suspected abuse by calling the Children’s Authority Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.
Child protection, the Authority says, is everybody’s business.
