Hundreds of people across all three islands showed their love and support for children as part of the 17th annual Child Month celebrations, throughout the month of May 2013.

Under the theme: Care. Advocate. Protect. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in partnership with the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing (MCAGH organized an entire month of events for families to enjoy.

These activities included church services, reading days at various preschools, family socials dedicated to specific relationships, fun days, art and cultural days, fundraising dress down days, a culinary competition, and a board games night

Cayman Brac District Commissioner, Ernie Scott said that, “This year’s Child Month theme reminds us that we cannot forget that our children must be an integral part of the national development and future of these islands. Therefore I encourage you to provide unconditional love, protection and support for our children, now and always.”

At some events participants were also able to learn about the different services and resources available for the benefit of children. Public information sessions were also held on issues relating to children in the Cayman Islands: parenting, bullying, teen pregnancy, underage drinking, drunk driving, strengthening parent child relationships, as well as the newly introduced Children’s Law.

The law and its regulations seek to protect children, their welfare and their individual rights. It also outlines the scope of parental responsibility.

Director of DCFS Alicia (Jen) Dixon explains that, “This legislation will improve the level of protection for children, but also correct unfair practices and close loopholes.  Its objective is to ensure that we all recognize the value of our children as we work towards building a stronger community.”

As a new feature this year, the Cayman Islands for the first time, observed a day for Teen Pregnancy Prevention, International Day of the Family and also International Day for Stand Up to Bullying on May 3rd, and May 15th and May 31st respectively. Additionally, May 10th was the second annual awareness day for Feed Our Future and childhood hunger.

Partnering with FRC, these two educational campaigns focused on the reality of teenage pregnancy prevention and anti-bullying.

Emphasizing the value of children to the nation, Ms Dixon said, “We owe it to ourselves to nurture and nourish our children. How we treat them is key to the future development of this country.” She added, “So protect our children today, for a better tomorrow.”

Also as a special recognition for their outstanding voluntary services to the young people in the community, Mr Herbert Crawford received this year’s Child Month Award in Grand Cayman and Mr Mitchum Sandford in Cayman Brac.

The Ministry and DCFS are overwhelmed by the extent of public participation this year and thank all of those who supported and attended the events.

Other partners included: Feed Our Future, National Museum, National Gallery, Department of Youth Services, Circle of Love Women’s Ministries, Frank Sound Church of God Chapel, Elmslie Memorial Church, Book Nook, National Drug Council, Papa Johns and a long list of volunteers who read to the preschool kids.

Expressing the hope that the message to care and advocate for children, as well as protect them, would have an impact on adults long after celebrations have ended, DCFS’s Child Month Coordinator Cassandra Parchment encourages relatives and other adults to be good role models. She also reminds parents to “cherish the moments spent with your child – not just in May – but every day of every month.”

A copy of the Children’s Law can be found online at www.dcfs.gov.ky. For more information on the Child Month, contact DCFS at 946-0024, or email [email protected]

Photo caption: Photos taken by Information Officer Lennon Christian & Yvette Cacho

1.         Child Month Award recipient Mr Herbert Crawford and family.

2.         Kids celebrate Celebrity Reading Day at Rite Start Preschool.

3.         CIO Linda Evans enjoys reading to kids at Tiny Tots Preschool.

4.         Civil Servants proudly support Dress Down Day fundraiser for Feed Our Future.

5.         A father and his kids enjoy quality time at dinner during Father and Child Evening.

6.         Families play a fun game of ‘Fruit Basket’ at Father and Child Evening.