WILLEMSTAD – The Family and Youth Department of the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) has launched an investigation into an incident at Brionplein involving several young children who were reportedly left without adequate adult supervision.
According to the ministry, preliminary information indicates that several minors were present at the location without proper supervision by a responsible adult.
SOAW emphasized that the safety, protection and well-being of children are a shared responsibility and remain a top priority for the ministry. It noted that children between the ages of 3 and 5 are particularly vulnerable because they are not yet capable of fully recognizing danger or making decisions to protect themselves. As a result, continuous adult supervision is not only desirable but a fundamental responsibility of those entrusted with their care.
The ministry also referred to Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees every child the right to protection from neglect, abuse and any situation that could place their well-being at risk.
As part of the investigation, the Family and Youth Department is gathering information from all relevant agencies that may have intervened in or have knowledge of the incident. The goal is to establish a complete and objective understanding of what occurred.
SOAW said it will not comment on the role or actions of any specific agency until all available information has been reviewed.
In addition to investigating the incident, the ministry will assess whether coordination protocols between child protection agencies need to be strengthened or updated to ensure that relevant information reaches the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.
The Family and Youth Department also used the opportunity to remind parents, guardians and organizations that organize activities for children to always ensure adequate supervision and to have clear procedures in place to protect minors under their responsibility.
Anyone concerned about the safety of a child or who witnesses a situation in which a minor may be at risk is urged to contact the police in case of an emergency or the Family and Youth Department of the Ministry of SOAW at +599 9 724-5499 so that the situation can be assessed and appropriate action taken.
The Ministry of SOAW reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure that every child in Curaçao can grow up in a safe, protected and caring environment.