Inter-Agency Committee For Children & Families

“We live in a “difficult, fragile world” full of challenges – but there are also opportunities to make things better for our children,” was the message from Premier Michael Dunkley as he attended the Annual General Meeting of the Inter-Agency Committee for Children and Families.

Premier Dunkley thanked the organisation – an umbrella group of charities, service providers and community members who work with young people and families – for their dedication and pledged his support for their work.

“We have challenges but also opportunities,” the Premier told the 60-strong meeting. “To see you and the work you have done for almost 20 years, how much progress has been made … you have made tremendous strides. On behalf of Government, thank you for your commitment.”

Premier Dunkley told those gathered he had been reflecting on the vulnerability and fragility of our children while attending his daughter’s recent graduation.

He noted the difficulties of modern living and highlighted how pleased he was to see so many members of the community dedicated to helping Bermuda’s young people. “I appreciate, and my colleagues appreciate, the advice and assistance we get. As Government, we look forward to working with you. Stick to the wicket, the runs will come.”

Premier Dunkley was joined at the meeting by Minister of Health, Seniors and the Environment Jeanne Atherden, Senator Jeff Baron and Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, Shawn Crockwell. I

AC chair Martha Dismont updated the meeting on the group’s work over the past year, including months of research into producing a detailed Children’s Agenda of Priorities, a comprehensive and evidential foundation for further action.

She noted that a Continuum of Care Map for families had been drawn up and would be released in the autumn – an easy-to-use guide for families identifying where they can go to obtain certain services.

The meeting, on Wednesday, May 20, also appealed for charities and service agencies to submit details of the work they do and services they provide, so that the IAC can identify any gaps in service.

Mrs Dismont said: “The IAC’s mandate is to provide trainings to meet the needs of service providers, to advocate on behalf of vulnerable children and families, and to produce a regular continuum of care which outlines child and family services available for the public.

“The Children’s Agenda has been our most significant initiative, with the Continuum of Care map as the next initiative in the stages of being completed.

“The data used to draft the Children’s Agenda was based on a compilation of information taken from focus groups, youth, parents, Government workers, and other professionals in the field to identify the very specific needs of children, today.”

Recommendations in the Agenda are based on needs such as child health and development; protection of children from violence, neglect and abuse; development of a social safety net; improved systems for monitoring and reporting high-risk situations; and youth involvement in decisions which impact them.

Mrs Dismont added, “We have great hope that the continued ‘roll out’ of the Children’s Agenda will become a vehicle for elevating our voices on the importance of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable children in our society.”

For information about joining the IAC as an organisation or individual, please email iac@prevention.bm For more about the IAC, visit their website and their Facebook page

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