Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment & Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett, speaking with the Rev. Clayton Springer of the Wesleyan Holiness Church of Barbados.

Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment & Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett, speaking with the Rev. Clayton Springer of the Wesleyan Holiness Church of Barbados.

 A section of the participants of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) “Train the Trainer Workshop for Faith-Based Organisations, yesterday.

 

A section of the participants of the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) “Train the Trainer Workshop for Faith-Based Organisations, yesterday.

Violence intervention

Initiative targeting young males

THE Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment & Community Development is actively engaged in the “Partnership for Peace Programme”, which targets men who have been perpetrators of domestic violence.

This programme is a violence intervention initiative, which is primarily for young adult males, says the Hon. Steven Blackett.

Yesterday, he disclosed that participants are referred through the magistrates’ courts, and undergo 16 weeks of intensive psych–social education, which facilitates their re-integration into family life, and empowers them with skills to effectively deal with domestic situations in a non-violent manner.

The Ministry is now into its ninth cycle of this programme, he told the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit (CJRPU) “Train the Trainer Workshop for Faith-Based Organisations” held at the 3W’s Oval, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Also as the Minister responsible for Ecclesiastical Affairs, he lauded the efforts of the CJRPU on establishing strategic linkages and partnerships with several stakeholders, including faith-based organisations, in an effort to co-ordinate crime prevention programmes in our society.

“We often think of tackling crime through interventions by agencies such as the Royal Barbados Police Force, and other criminal justice agencies; however, it is evident that social, religious and educational organisations also have a role to play. These include faith-based organisations which are also effective agents in providing solutions to the many challenges facing individuals, families, and societies in general,” he pointed out.

Blackett also commended the vision for each church to be held responsible for co-ordinating a Community-Based Programme targeting at-risk youth – organised in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Planning Unit, together with community partners.

“I am also heartened that this training programme will be repeated in the near future to enable more churches to benefit. The Peer Mentorship training will therefore provide church members with the skills, information and resources necessary to co-ordinate crime prevention programmes, and allow the church to be seen as the church with the community, and not just be located in the community,” he expressed.

“The significant contribution of the faith-based organisations cannot be overstated. Over the years, the leaders and members of these organisations have demonstrated diligence and dedication in their work. I have no doubt that they will continue to contribute significantly to our society, not only in their spiritual ministry, but also in community outreach initiatives, such as Peer Mentorship.” (TL)

 

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000