Editorial: A Holistic Approach to Child Protection

In this issue of Growing Up Safe – St Maarten Magazine, we reflect on ongoing efforts to ensure that every child in St Maarten, regardless of their circumstances, has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. From legal frameworks, such as the inter-island protocol, to holistic programmes like restorative justice, a clear theme emerges – protecting children requires a community-wide commitment to justice, empathy, and prevention.

“In today’s rapidly changing environment, the safety and well-being of our children remain top priorities.”

Recognising this need, the Court of Guardianship has introduced several initiatives aimed at safeguarding minors and ensuring they receive early and appropriate support. Among these initiatives are the Child Check and Handle with Care programmes, as well as the Child Safety Code. Together, these initiatives represent a monumental effort to create a safer environment for children and to ensure their well-being is prioritised across multiple sectors. They encourage collaboration among all professionals who intersect with children’s lives, facilitating a collective approach to address risks before they escalate. These initiatives bridge gaps between services, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Restorative justice is another cornerstone of child protection highlighted in this issue. The Judicial and Institutional Services (JIS) (formerly known as SJIS) has incorporated restorative justice practices into St Maarten’s legal framework to emphasise repairing the harm caused by crime rather than merely punishing offenders. By facilitating dialogue between victims and offenders, this approach helps families heal from the emotional and social consequences of conflict. For children especially, reducing household tension through restorative justice creates a safer environment in which they can flourish.

Cassandra Richardson, the new Director of Victim Support Services (VSS), contributes to this discussion by underscoring the importance of empathy in addressing the needs of victims of serious crimes. Richardson points out that, for many marginalised communities, including undocumented families and victims of sexual assault, access to emotional and psychological support remains limited. Her call for systemic change highlights the need for more comprehensive services that go beyond legal aid, ensuring that victims—and the children affected by these situations—receive the care they need to rebuild their lives.

We also highlight the Freegan Food Foundation, which has been playing a vital role in supporting vulnerable families. The foundation’s efforts to reduce food waste while providing essential items like groceries, clothing, and household goods help bridge the gap for families living in poverty. Many of these families face not only financial challenges but also legal uncertainties, as illustrated in the personal story of a Freegan client. This mother of two, born on the island but without proper legal status, faces daily struggles to provide for her children within a system that offers limited support. The Freegan Food Foundation serves as a lifeline, helping her and many others navigate these challenges, ensuring their children do not go hungry.

Inspiring work is being done across the island to protect children’s futures, yet much remains to be done. The safety of our children is not solely the responsibility of one profession or sector; it is a community-wide commitment. Each of us holds a piece of this vital puzzle, working together to create a safer, more nurturing environment for our youth. Whether through education, legislation, restorative justice, victim support, or community-based efforts, our collaboration lays the foundation for a brighter future for our children, ensuring they grow up safe, supported, and ready to thrive.

Signed – The Child Protection Working Group