The Ministry of Gender and Child Affairs has now opened a home for migrant girls.
The Ministry said the new facility fulfils its mandate to safeguard children within T&T.
The home became operational on December 16 with the handing over of the keys to the management of St Jude’s Children’s Home.
“This home will strengthen measures for alleviating child abuse, abduction, exploitation, trafficking and neglect by providing migrant girls access to life skills, knowledge and capabilities for success as they transition from the home and into young adults,” a release from the Ministry said.
“The home will provide appropriate support services to migrant girls in their overall development. It will create a secure and culturally relevant setting which has as its underlying philosophy the reintegration of these young girls into a family unit.”
Services in place at the facility will support mental and psychological rehabilitation and appropriately address any legal matters in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The care team includes managers, psychologists, social workers, translators, tutors, supervisors and caregivers who will maximise various opportunities for the development of the girls in the short and long term.
The Ministry said the opening of the home “fulfils the Division’s obligation to provide appropriate accommodation for migrant children and victims of trafficking in accordance with international responsibilities and the Persons in Trafficking Act.”
It will also support children’s right to play, be educated, form social groups, have access to information and be protected.
The Ministry said as the Government implements the National Child Policy, it acknowledges the diversity of the population and the inclusivity of children who are often marginalised.
The division said it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure optimal levels of care and protection for all children in T&T.