The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says the Cyril Ross Children’s Home in Tunapuna was unable to maintain licensing requirements despite its attempts to comply. However, the authority has signalled its willingness to work with the Society of St Vincent de Paul in the future.
On December 31, the El Dorado Road, Tunapuna home for displaced children living with HIV and AIDS, which had been in existence since 1994, permanently closed its doors.
President of the society, Nigel Phillips, blamed licence delays for the closure. He explained that after using funds allocated by the Office of the Prime Minister to upgrade the facility, further requirements meant the society had to dip into its own pockets, which was no longer feasible.
“We would have brought it up to the standards, so every time we go back, it is something different,” he said.
Phillips added that upkeep and staff salaries, along with the upgrades, cost approximately $500,000 over the past three years. He said the society eventually received a provisional licence, which expired on December 31.
According to the Children’s Authority, the Children’s Community Residences (Children’s Homes) Regulations 2018 set out 33 requirements for licensing. The authority provides conditional licences, in accordance with the Children’s Community Residences, Foster Care and Nurseries Act, to homes that meet the minimum mandatory standards necessary for the safety and security of children in care.
The release added that in early 2025, the Cyril Ross Children’s Home signalled to the authority that it was considering closure. The authority said it engaged with stakeholders to explore opportunities to support the continued operation of the home.
“The home, however, was unable to maintain licensing requirements and complete the renewal of the licence and ceased operations on December 31, 2025,” the Children’s Authority said.
Prior to the closure, three children who were residents were relocated to safe and appropriate placements.
Guardian Media reached out to Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, who acknowledged receipt but has yet to provide an official response on the matter.
