ChildLinK’s children caseworkers and institutional caregivers ought to be applauded for their work

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” – George Santayana. Though the make-up of individual families may differ from case to case, many aspects actually remain the same. Especially in the instance of the amount of love, attention, and support that children should be receiving regardless of where they live or spend most of their time. In institutional care, there have been many reported cases and admissions that the children do not receive anywhere near the right amount of affection, love or support. Considering that the children heavily outnumber the institutional caregivers, it will be virtually impossible for the caregivers to stretch themselves so thin while attending to each child. It is known that each child requires his/her own levels of attention and socialization, having to cater to these for one child is quite demanding, much less 20 children at a time. We must applaud the caseworkers and institutional caregivers as they, every day, put themselves forward and take on the tasks that many persons would not be able to maintain.
The caseworkers do work around the clock to ensure that children, regardless of where they are, receive love, affection and care that they require. Though there are many instances where a child remains in institutional care, we do have many positive instances where children are actually reintegrated into their biological homes.
This case was one that really showcased the love and care of motherhood, and it encouraged the caseworkers to continue their work. This case represented the perseverance, drive and dedication that this mother had and the strides she took to ensure that she was able to be reunited with her children. This mother of three – one son and two daughters – did not have her finances in order, housing or support which is necessary to support her children. She was separated from her youngest at birth who was taken to a children’s institution while the others were sent to institutional care as well. The youngest child spent close to two years and the two other children (girls) spent several years each. Considering that this case occurred during the initial phase of Covid-19’s presence in Guyana, the mother was even more concerned for her children’s safety.
Even while in institutional care, the children received love and support from their mother and visitation was done constantly. ChildLinK’s counsellor held group sessions with the parent and children. These sessions were done via the telephone and bonding sessions were done over WhatsApp. Unfortunately, in some cases, many parents make little to no effort to make contact with their children, but this was not the case for this mother. The parenting counselling to a large extent, was responsible for this mother turning her life around. What helped much was her mental preparedness and eagerness to get her children back. She also made great strides to get her life together. The mother was able to get a house to rent and secure a job. In light of Covid 19, visitation decreased but the mother’s desire to be in contact with the children increased. Calls were constant. Since the mother constantly showed concern, reassessment was done on whether she can provide adequate care to her children. The time apart from the children even allowed the fathers of the children to re-assess their roles in the children’s lives. The father is now actively involved in the children’s lives. All the mother’s efforts were not in vain. The decision was made for her to reintegrate the children. The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) had to give parental skills, counseling for the parent before the child is reintegrated and the final go ahead. They had the final say essentially in that decision. This was a great moment in the lives of the children, their mother and even the caseworkers. CPA provided her with a care package.
While they are united with the mother, they have each been receiving counselling. She has been receptive to the counselling provided, her children are accepting the help being offered by the case workers at ChildLinK with support from the CPA and the communication channels and transparency are at an all-time high. ChildLinK’s Family Counsellors continue to conduct monitoring visits and provide emotional support where needed. ChildLinK was able to secure additional support hamper from the business community to help the mother during the Christmas season. The mother initially, had limited financial stability, and no partner or family to come forward to offer support in her time of need. However, over the course of the case, the mother as a result of the counsellors, both from CPA and ChildLinK, has proven her stability, her determination, and her willingness to be the mother she needs to be for her children.
I hope this case has motivated other mothers who have had their children removed from their care, that there is a bright light at the end of that tunnel and there are many forms of support for them to utilize that will readily help their children be reintegrated into their households. Various parenting styles and methods may result in parents making choices or being in circumstances that are positive or otherwise inclined. This in and of itself is proof that there needs to be continued collaboration between government (Childcare Protection Agency) and civil society (ChildLinK). It is essential for the maintenance of support and to strengthen families to care for children and to create safe spaces for children to achieve their greatest potential.