Statement by Dr Techar Cuffy-Casimir on Responsibility, Safeguarding and the Protection of Our Children

The tragic loss of a young life is deeply painful, and my thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and all those affected. At moments such as these, our attention must first be on the life that has been lost and on what each of us can do to build a society in which our children are safer, heard, supported and protected.

As Director of Social Services, I take very seriously the responsibility entrusted to the Department for the care and protection of vulnerable children. This is not simply a professional responsibility for me; it is work that I approach with compassion, integrity and a genuine commitment to the well-being of every child who comes into our care.

I will not engage in personal attacks or respond in kind to disparaging comments directed at me. However, where the integrity of the child-protection process is called into question, I believe it is important that the public understands why safeguards exist.

Children in national care cannot be made freely accessible to individuals simply because someone wishes to assist, however sincere or well-intentioned that offer may be. We welcome genuine partnerships. We welcome donations, resources, mentorship and other forms of support that can improve the lives of our children but access to children in care is an entirely different matter. There are established procedures governing visits, interaction, programmes, photography, information-sharing and other forms of engagement with children. These safeguards exist for obvious reasons.

Children who have already experienced vulnerability, trauma, abuse, neglect or separation deserve even greater protection. We therefore have a duty to know who is interacting with them, why that interaction is taking place, whether it is appropriate, and whether the necessary authorization and safeguards are in place.

Saying “no” to a particular request or proposed form of access is not the

same as saying “no” to helping children especially when access is conditional to receive support. Sometimes responsible leadership requires us to say no, to propose another approach, or to insist that the correct process be followed. No individual regardless of status, influence, resources, charitable intentions or public profile is above those safeguards.

It is also concerning when dissatisfaction with an administrative or professional decision becomes the basis for publicly attacking individuals or condemning an entire child-protection system. Constructive criticism is necessary. Accountability is necessary. Reform, where required, is necessary. But accountability must also be responsible, factual, fair, and centred on the best interests of children. The same responsibility applies to how we use social media. The fact that social media is accessible, immediate, and often free to use does not mean it is without consequence or responsibility. Social media is still a form of media, and it should be used with the same care, professionalism, accuracy, and ethical consideration expected of any other public platform.

We must think carefully about what we share, how we share it, and the potential impact our words may have particularly when children, families, professionals, or sensitive child-protection matters are involved. The freedom to express concerns comes with a responsibility to do so thoughtfully, factually, and in ways that do not undermine the dignity, privacy, safety, or best interests of children. We can challenge decisions, raise concerns, demand accountability, and advocate for reform without resorting to personal attacks, public condemnation, or irresponsible use of social media. Our platforms should be used to inform, strengthen dialogue, encourage solutions, and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for our children. I therefore appeal to all of us: let us be responsible in what we say, what we share and what we do.

If we know that a child is being abused, neglected, exploited, or placed at risk, we must report it. If we have resources that can support vulnerable families, we should offer that support through the appropriate channels. If we identify weaknesses within a system, we should bring forward constructive solutions that can strengthen it. When safeguards are put in place to protect vulnerable children, we should respect those

safeguards rather than interpret them as hostility, obstruction, or opposition.

It is deeply troubling and profoundly sad that the death of a 16-year-old child could be used as an opportunity to advance an unrelated agenda or to pursue personal interests. A child’s death should never become a vehicle for gaining attention, political or personal traction, or promoting narratives that are not grounded in verified facts.

At such a painful time, our focus should be on the child, the family, the truth, and the lessons that can help prevent further harm not on exploiting tragedy to advance an unrelated cause. There is a profound difference between seeking accountability and using the death of a child to serve another agenda.

I am also making it clear that established visitation and safeguarding procedures at our residential facilities must be consistently enforced. Protecting children cannot depend on personalities, friendships, influence or who knows whom. The same rules must apply to everyone.

A system is not merely an infrastructure or governance framework. It is shaped by the people who participate in it, and there is a role and responsibility for everyone.

We all contribute to the society and systems in which our children grow. Parents, families, neighbours, communities, professionals, institutions, and leaders all have a part to play.

Our children deserve more than words. They deserve purpose, accountability, and responsible action. They deserve adults who speak up when something is wrong, do what is right, respect the safeguards established to protect them, and work together even when we disagree.

Protecting our children is a shared responsibility. We must carry that responsibility with compassion, professionalism, courage, and an unwavering commitment to their safety, dignity, protection, and well-being.