MOHSS, IDB to establish forensic interview unit this year – Minister Persaud

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MOHSS), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), would be establishing a state-owned forensic interview unit to strengthen the country’s child protection services.
Expected to be launched this year or early next year, this initiative marks a major step towards improving the way abuse cases involving children are handled in Guyana.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in making this announcement during a press briefing held at the National Communications Network (NCN) in Georgetown,
explained that Government is working to create the unit as part of a broader effort to address child abuse more effectively, and provide faster and more specialized responses.

“With regard to the Forensic Interview Unit, we have developed a protocol, an internal protocol. There is an existing protocol that exists with the Child Advocacy Center, so even though Government is working on a state-owned forensic interview, that does not detract from what is already happening with our partnership. But once the IDB project kicks in this year, we will make all movement towards getting that up and running as soon as possible within this year, or perhaps very early next year; but I am hopeful for this year,” Minister Dr Persaud has said.
Several officers have already undergone preliminary training in India, and the MOHSS has already developed an internal protocol, all in an effort to ensure the success of the project.
Clarifying that this new initiative would not replace the existing Child Advocacy Center, but would work in tandem with it, Minister Persaud noted that once the IDB project is fully implemented, the forensic interview unit would be fully operational, having the necessary equipment to conduct modern forensic interviews.
“Despite the existing limitations, including a shortage of human resources, we are committed to making this unit a reality. Our aim is to equip the Region 3 Hope and Justice Center with the necessary tools which will allow us to provide a more comprehensive response to child abuse cases,” Dr Persaud has said.
Further, the MOHSS is addressing the need for more child protection officers, particularly in the hinterland regions, where resources are limited. To support this, a new paraprofessional programme being developed in collaboration with the University of Guyana would focus on equipping members of indigenous communities with essential skills in social work, with plans for them to pursue further qualifications in the field.
Highlighting discussions ongoing with the University of Guyana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to offer specialized training in child protection,
Dr Persaud has said these efforts are part of Government’s commitment to strengthening its child care and protection systems even amid current challenges.
“We recognize that this is just the beginning. There’s a lot of work to be done, but we are moving in the right direction to address the gaps and provide more effective protection for our children… So, a lot of discussions, a lot of work, a lot of things happening, and things (are) in their infancy and embryonic stages, all towards gearing the Child Care and Protection Agency to continue to fulfil its mandate,” Minister Dr Persaud has said.