St Jude’s girl missing

A 17-year-old ward of the St Jude’s Home for Girls is missing.

Aphiya Jagassar was last seen at her grandmother’s home at Cicada Extension, Diego Martin, around 12.30 pm on January 27. She was reported missing at the Arima Police Station by her mother Susan Jagassar that same day.

Aphiya is of mixed decent, five feet ten inches tall, slim built with a light brown complexion and long black hair.

When contacted yesterday, the Children’s Authority said the day-to-day operations of any children’s home, including St. Jude’s, was the responsibility of the management of the home. This included all rules, time frames for activities, recommendations to the Court for home leave and supervision.

The Authority said if a child ran away, the Authority would advise the management of the home to increase supervision to prevent the recurrence of absconding. In many cases, this entailed the development of an enhanced safety and security plan to address gaps which may have led to the child running away.

However, the court would make a final decision regarding the future placement of the child.

When Newsday contacted St Jude’s yesterday, one female said the manager had gone to lunch and she was not at liberty to divulge the rules at the Home.

Anyone with any information on Aphiya’s whereabouts should call 999, 555, 911 or 800-TIPS

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