News Source Guyana Reports : Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has disclosed that the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) received referrals for 584 pregnant girls under the age of 16 between 2020 and 2025.
The data was revealed in a document submitted to the National Assembly in response to inquiries from Member of Parliament Amanza Walton, Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).
MP Walton described the statistics as “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that each case represents a minor whose welfare requires urgent scrutiny across the health, education, and law enforcement sectors. She noted that these figures highlight a significant issue that demands sustained national attention.
While the CPA tracks reports of underage pregnancies, Minister Persaud indicated that the agency does not maintain disaggregated data on the number of these girls who subsequently gave birth. She explained that the agency’s primary focus is the immediate assessment of child protection concerns—specifically evaluating risks of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
A key point of discussion during the National Assembly session was the existence of mandatory referral protocols. Minister Persaud clarified that while there is no single stand-alone policy titled “mandatory referral protocols,” the process is strictly governed by:
The Protection of Children Act (Sections 4 and 6): Requiring investigation and intervention.
The Sexual Offences Act: Establishing that sexual activity with a child under 16 is a criminal offense, necessitating mandatory reporting to the Guyana Police Force.
MP Walton argued that reliance on “institutional memory” or informal inter-agency practices is insufficient. She advocated for the implementation of written, formal protocols to ensure consistency, accountability, and standardized training, ensuring that the system remains robust even during staff transitions.
Minister Persaud outlined the standardized, multi-step process initiated when a pregnancy involving a minor under 16 is identified:
Immediate Assessment: A Child Protection Officer conducts a risk assessment and interviews the minor.
Police Involvement: Because pregnancies involving those under 16 are treated as statutory offenses, the matter is reported to the Guyana Police Force.
Family and Environmental Investigation: Officers conduct home visits to assess the stability of the living environment, identify alleged perpetrators, and determine support systems.
Medical Oversight: The agency ensures the child is registered for antenatal and postnatal care.
Placement and Safety: If the home environment is deemed unsafe—particularly if an alleged perpetrator resides in the household—the child is removed and placed in alternative care.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry is actively working to strengthen these formal coordination mechanisms and is currently developing new policies to further enhance the protection and accountability framework for minors.
