72 children taken off streets in 2024 as Govt expands child welfare programmes

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) has taken some 72 children off the streets in 2024; and has provided these children, aged between five and 16 years old, with shelter, healthcare, and educational opportunities.
This has been revealed by subject Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud during an end-of-year press briefing on Tuesday, wherein she explained that programmes implemented by the MHSSS are part of a broader effort to combat homelessness and improve the lives of vulnerable children across the country.
“Our work with street children focuses not only on removing them from unsafe environments, but also on addressing the root causes of their situation,” Minister Persaud elaborated, while adding that the children had access to critical services, including healthcare and education, to help them transition back to stable home lifestyles.
“We are still working with these families, providing them with access to employment opportunities to help them create a stable environment for their children,” the minister added. “At the close of the year, we are proud to announce that none of these children are back on the streets.”
In addition to being offered shelter and support, 50 of the rescued children have benefitted from cognitive behavioural therapy, she disclosed.
“Our goal is to improve their quality of life and address underlying behavioural issues,” Dr Persaud has asserted.
Minister Persaud has asserted that the focus of the MHSSS extends beyond just removing children from the streets to ensuring that their lives are improved holistically. She has also underscored the importance of the Early Childhood Development Programme of the MHSSS, describing it as “a significant step in the right direction.” The programme targets children before they begin school, starting at 3 years and 9 months old. The MHSSS has also trained personnel for more than 300 daycare centres across the country to provide better early childhood education.
“We are focusing on children before they begin school, ensuring that trained persons are in place to work in daycare centres and provide the support needed for early childhood development,” she explained.
Further, the MHSSS has made significant progress in licensing children’s homes across the country. Dr Persaud shared that eight of the 16 children’s homes in Guyana have now been registered, and will soon receive their licences.
“We aim to ensure that trained individuals are working in these homes, providing the highest quality of care,” she noted.
A key initiative for 2024 is establishment of the Central Adoption Authority, in compliance with the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Act of 2021. This authority enables resumption of inter-country adoptions in keeping with the Hague Convention for the Protection of Children.
“This is a significant step for our country,” Dr Persaud emphasized, highlighting that it aligns Guyana with international adoption best practices.
Dr Persaud has also acknowledged the vital support received from agencies like UNICEF, which has been instrumental in the Ministry’s success.
“Training all our staff in relevant areas is essential, so they are better equipped to deal with existing and emerging social issues,” Minister Persaud has said.
Reiterating that commitment of the MHSSS to the wellbeing of Guyana’s children remains steadfast, Minister Persaud has said, “Our work ensures that no child is left behind. We are proud of the progress we’ve made this year, but our commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children will continue in 2025 and beyond.”