Children's Authority: Employers/parents need work-home balance

The Children’s Authority is urging parents and guardians to seek support from their employers to strike the right balance between work and the protection of their children.

The statement came after the Prime Minister announced last Saturday that the public service sector was expected to return to work in full as covid19 restrictions were relaxed.

But issues surrounding supervision of children at home has grabbed the public’s attention as the majority of children were currently out of a physical school structure and now engaged in online learning.

The issue was also raised by the Public Service Association president Watson Duke, who encouraged parents to stay home and care of their children or be charged for neglect.

He said, “Notify the employer in writing and send a copy of such a letter to the PSA. You have served notice. Leave, stay home with your child. You are not asking for permission; you are taking permission.”

The Children's Authority told Newsday on Tuesday afternoon that it was aware of the impact the restrictions put in place as a result of civid19 had on parents and guardians.

It noted the challenges in these unprecedented times and urged for more family and community need to support, as far as possible.

“The authority is echoing the statements made by the PM during the covid19 media update on October 24, that parents should seek support from their employers to facilitate them caring for their children.

“Families are urged to strengthen relationships with one another. Differences need to be put aside so that families can provide an extra layer of support to one another, especially to single parents who must return to work,” it said.

Additionally, the authority called on community-based organisations, faith-based organisations and non-governmental organisations, to provide additional layers of support for families who needed childcare services.

“Child protection is everybody’s business, and the authority will continue to advocate for parents to create support systems of trusted and responsible adults, as well as for employers to provide an environment that would allow parents to work and adequately care for their children,” it noted.

If any member of the public has concerns about a child’s safety reports should be made to the Children’s Authority at 996 or to the Police at 999.