THERE ARE ON AVERAGE 800 referrals or reports of child abuse made to the Child Care Board (CCB) on an annual basis.
Considering that the Child Abuse Team of the CCB operates with five officers, Minister of Social Care Steve Blackett said yesterday that translated into just over two new cases per day and approximately 160 cases added to each of the officer’s caseload annually.
While noting that the task was an overwhelming one for the five officers who have to complete intake duty, attend court on matters, as well as actively manage existing cases and newly assigned ones, Blackett said, “child protection work is emotionally draining and results in severe burnout for our officers”. (LK)
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