October 4, 2009…. A consultancy team from the Children’s Legal Centre of London, is currently on island assisting with a project that will see the development of a National Child Protection Policy for Antigua and Barbuda.

The Citizen Welfare Division (CWD) within the Ministry of Social Transformation, along with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is spearheading the initiative.

Chief Welfare Officer at the CWD Faustina Jarvis said UNICEF is providing technical and financial support for the project.

While on island the consultancy team will carry out a series of interviews and obtain reports from key stakeholders.

The group will also meet with the National Child Protection Reform Committee (CRC) which advocates for systematic reform.

“The role of this multidisciplinary committee (CRC) is to drive the process of formulation, of a comprehensive policy and legislation, relative to child rights and protection, which is guaranteed by the CRC.” Jarvis said.

The consultancy team will also pay a courtesy call on state officials including Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer this week.