New layer of support for children affected by abuse

In 2024, Saint Lucia recorded 204 reports of sexual offences, 151 of which involved children under 18, according to data from the Vulnerable Persons Team. That reality is at the heart of why the Independent Child Protection Advisor (ICPA) programme was formed in November 2025. Established to provide an additional layer of support for children affected by physical and sexual abuse, the programme is now seeking to reach more families through a newly launched media campaign, “Connect to Protect”. Spearheaded by Girls of a Feather with funding and support from the European Union, trained advisors within the ICPA programme will offer free, confidential advocacy and accompaniment for boys and girls under 18 who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, or neglect.

According to a release from Girls of a Feather, the advisors serve as a consistent point of contact, helping to coordinate services, ensure follow-up, and prepare children and their families to navigate each stage of any related protection or court proceeding. “When child abuse is disclosed, suspected or reported, timely intervention and continuous support can make an important difference in a child’s recovery and ability to navigate the systems around them,” said Chelsea Foster, Programme Manager of the Independent Child Protection Advisory Programme. “While Saint Lucia has only one mandated child protection agency, our goal is to work alongside government agencies to provide services such as safeguarding, therapy, court support and other forms of assistance, as not every child who experiences abuse is assigned a social worker or has consistent support throughout the process. This is where Independent Child Protection Advisors can play an important role providing early, child-centred support and helping children…