An Analysis of the Nature and Extent of Institutionalization of Children in Guyana
ChildLinK Inc. is arguably among the most effective Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Guyana. Perhaps its strength lies in the gradual evolution from an international organization to a local not-for-profit company. In the process ChildLinK developed a culture, which recognizes the importance of research in supporting strategic planning, factbased interventions and managing for results. ChildLinK continues to have these values at the core of its work, including this research on Institutional Care in Guyana. A ChildLinK project established the Guyana Coalition for Children (GCC) a body comprised of six organizations* working with children and youth in Guyana. Part of the GCC’s mandate is to strengthen capacity for a coordinated response to child protection through public education and advocacy. GCC recognizes that there are concerns with respect to the alternative care system in Guyana, and a lack of data to effectively address them. The concerns include, among others, the reasons children are placed in care, the care they receive in institutions, the length of time they spend in care and the lack of a structured reintegration process. Of particular concern are teenage girls who are most at risk of sexual violence. This research was commissioned with support from the European Union and Family for Every Child to study these issues.