In a major step to strengthen accountability and improve standards of care for children, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has granted Childcare Services Licenses to nine foster homes across Guyana.
The licenses were officially presented by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Permanent Secretary Dr. Erica Forte during a ceremony held Friday at the ministry’s head office on East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown.
Minister Persaud noted that a total of 17 children’s homes across the country are registered with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), and of that number, nine have achieved full compliance and are now licensed in accordance with the Childcare and Protection Agency Act and the Minimum Standards for Residential Care Facilities.
While commending the administrators and staff of the homes, Dr. Persaud emphasised that by mid-June 2026, all children’s homes in Guyana must be fully compliant and licensed.
“The children placed in your care are entrusted to you by the State. They have faced neglect, abuse, or other challenges that require protection. So, our duty is not just to provide them with shelter but to ensure their full protection, development, and emotional well-being,”
— Minister Vindhya Persaud
The Minister explained that the CPA has been working closely with homes to help them meet licensing and registration requirements. She added that staff training in childcare and early childhood development is being provided free of cost through the Ministry’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme.
“Every home must ensure that all staff members are fully trained by June next year. Beyond that, there will be continuous education sessions so staff can stay updated and maintain compliance,” she said.
In addition to regulatory support, the government has increased its annual subvention to children’s homes from $200,000 to $400,000, to enhance living conditions and operational capacity. Dr. Persaud stressed that the ministry will monitor how the funds are used, with a focus on fire safety, general safety, and child welfare.
The ministry will also intensify its focus on record-keeping, health monitoring, and education for children in care. Each child, she said, will have proper identification, regular medical check-ups, and access to extracurricular opportunities in areas such as sports and music to support holistic growth.
As part of enhanced oversight, Dr. Persaud announced that the CPA will step up its monitoring and evaluation efforts, supported by a Children’s Visiting Committee made up of professionals from the medical, legal, and social work sectors. Reports from these visits will be reviewed and acted upon to ensure continuous improvement.
On issues of safety and abuse, the minister was firm that the CPA reserves the right to close any home that fails to meet child protection standards.
“This is not about punishment, it’s about responsibility. The State has a duty to ensure every child under its care is protected physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Minister Persaud affirmed.
She congratulated the nine newly licensed homes, urging others to follow suit, and reminded them that licensing is not an end in itself but “the start of ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of care for children.”
