Eighteen attending 3-day Training Workshop on Adolescent Behavior and Juvenile Justice Reform ongoing

​A 3-day Training Workshop on Adolescent Behavior & Juvenile Justice Reform was convened yesterday Monday 26th June, and is now ongoing at the Prevost Cinemall in Roseau. Eighteen (18) employees of organizations that care for and interact with juveniles are participating in that training workshop, organized by the Welfare Division of the Ministry of Social Services, Family & Gender Affairs, and funded under the Juvenile Justice Reform Project.
 
This project is being implemented by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The OECS has undertaken several initiatives, one being the drafting of harmonized family model bills; including the Juvenile Justice bill, the Children Care & Adoption Bill, and others under consideration.
 
Ministry of Social Services Consultant Martin Anthony said the ultimate goal of this project is reduction in the number of youth involved in crime. He was addressing participants at the start of the Workshop on Monday. He noted that one of the strategic focuses of the project is to deliver training to social services centers, institutions and the magistracy. Employees of CHANCES, Operation Youth Quake, Social Centre, the Centre where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve, and Welfare Division are participating in this workshop.
 
Topics to be discussed during the workshop include neuro-psychological explanation of adolescent’s behavior, introduction to child protection & juvenile justice reform, behavioral assessment, identifying depression & anxiety, identifying anger/violence, dealing with problem behavior, anger management, substance abuse & preparation for independent living.
 
Workshop facilitator, clinical psychologist in the Education & Human Resource Ministry, Tecca Cuffy-Charles, said the training will be presented utilizing different forms such as large and small group exercises, role plays, presentations, and exercises which promote application of content. She told the participants, “you will be exposed to a lot of information, and it may seem overwhelming at times, but please remain focused, for your participation is warranted”.