Child rights groups call for urgent reform after arrest of former Children’s Authority head

Senior Reporter

[email protected]

A coalition of childhood justice organisations and child rights advocates has called for sweeping reforms in child protection following the arrest and criminal charges against well-known traumatologist and former Children’s Authority director, Hanif Benjamin.

Benjamin is accused of committing a sexual offence against a minor who had reportedly sought support in a private clinical setting. The case has reignited debate over systemic failings in safeguarding children in T&T.

In a strongly worded joint statement, the coalition stressed that the allegations highlight a deeper, well-documented pattern of abuse in families, institutions, and spaces meant to offer care and protection.

“Despite years of documentation and advocacy, adults continue to be the primary perpetrators of child sexual abuse,” the statement read. “These violations are not anomalies. Our concern is for professional responsibility, societal regard for the child, and the particular trust placed in service providers.”

The group condemned what it described as a “lack of professional rigour, urgency, and ethical commitment” in national child protection frameworks, calling for accountability not just at the individual level but across institutions.

“Too often, children are treated as secondary citizens, denied justice, protection, and redress. Silence remains a long and painful journey for many survivors,” it added.

The coalition is urging the Ministry of Education to implement the updated Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum in all secondary schools, and to operationalise an independent Office of the Children’s Commissioner, as outlined in the National Child Policy 2020–2030.

The office would provide oversight of state and NGO actors working with children, monitor implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, investigate complaints, and ensure consistent protection of children’s rights across all sectors.

Meanwhile, the T&T Association of Social Workers has called for a formal licensing and registration system for social workers to strengthen public trust and accountability.

“Such measures would also ensure that social workers are properly trained and equipped to serve the diverse needs of the population they support,” the association said.