NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare Services remains committed to its mandate to provide quality rehabilitative services for offenders by developing and providing mechanisms that will address their maladaptive behaviours, while promoting change -- especially in juvenile offenders -- Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles LaRoda, told delegates attending a Social Services Stakeholder meeting.
The special focus on juvenile offenders is to deter them from becoming career criminals. Minister LaRoda said it was his anticipation that the forum would be the “first of many sessions between agencies” with the objective of increasing collaboration and developing a holistic plan when managing juvenile offenders.
Mr. LaRoda challenged the stakeholders to: “work together as a united team, synchronized in your efforts, as (you) strive to be active agents of change.”
Held (Tuesday, November 12) at the Paul H. Farquharson Conference Centre, Police Headquarters, as part of the month-long schedule of events in observance of Rehabilitation Month across The Bahamas, the forum was attended by a cross-section of government and non-governmental entities.
The grouping consisted of personnel from the judiciary (including Assistant Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux, and Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr.; in addition to Guidance Counsellors from public and private high schools; personnel from the Ministry of Education’s School Suspension Program; the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (Royal Rangers Programme); and personnel from the Juvenile Unit, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS).
Participants also included representatives from the Child Care Facilities/Child Protection Unit/Children and Family Services Division, Department of Social Services, and the Department of Rehabilitative/ Welfare Services.
“We recognize that we cannot do this alone and that we will not be successful in our attempts to do so without the collaboration and cooperation of you, our partners,” Minister LaRoda told his audience.
“So, there should be no question as to why you are here today. You are here because you have a direct interest in how we manage juvenile offenders. More importantly, you have a significant and far-reaching impact on this special population and thus, you determine whether your influence will be meaningful or adverse.
“You are here because you are the first line of defense in our fight against crime as you have the opportunity to deter juvenile offenders from becoming career criminals in your daily operations. You are here because you matter and our society cannot survive without you.”
Minister LaRoda labelled the forum as “fitting,” adding that it was held at a time when the Government of The Bahamas “is engaging in the Clear, Hold and Build Initiative with the aim to reduce the frequency of crime in the country.”
The Clear, Hold and Build Initiative is the government’s three-phase “front-line” response to reduce the instances of violent crime, criminality and gang-related activities in neighbourhoods.
“For the focus of this forum, we will concentrate on the 'Build' aspect of this strategy. Consider yourself to be a contractor with the purpose to transform the lives you come into contact with. Sadly, in many instances, you come in contact with at-risk juveniles when their antisocial behavior has resulted in a number of infractions or criminal acts. However, I urge you all to be proactive and tenacious in your fight against juvenile delinquency.”
(The Build aspect of the Initiative focuses on prevention, prosecution, punishment and rehabilitation, supported by legislative measures designed to strengthen the judicial process.)
“Research shows that individuals whose anti-social behaviour begins in early childhood are two-to-three times more likely to commit more severe and violent, repeat offenses. It is important to implement interventions as early as possible so that it not only minimizes delinquent behavior, but also supports the development and rehabilitation of the juveniles,” Mr. LaRoda said.
“This is why I am so pleased that you are here with the objective of increasing collaboration and developing a holistic plan when managing juvenile offenders. Let this be the first of many sessions between agencies. The fight against crime requires each of us to play a pivotal role. I challenge all stakeholders to work together as a united team, synchronized in your efforts. Strive to be active agents of change,” Minister LaRoda added.
