The following is a press release from the Department of Education Services:
Grand Cayman, The Department of Education Services (DES) assures the public that all allegations of misconduct and/or inappropriate behaviour by staff are treated with the utmost priority despite false information currently being circulated in the community.
Acting Director of DES, Mrs. Tammy Hopkins, outlined the protocols for handling Child Safeguarding issues. “There are established protocols for handling matters relating to Child Safeguarding issues. All staff employed by the DES are required by law to report any situation where they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ that a child has been abused. These reports would be made through the School Child Protection Officer to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which is comprised of the Department of Children and Family Services and the Family Support Unit of Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIPS) for investigation. Following the recommendation of the MASH, if the alleged offender is employed at one of our schools, they are relocated so that they do not have any direct contact with students pending the outcome of the MASH investigation,” the Acting Director commented.
Mrs. Hopkins continued, “The DES liaises closely with the MASH during the investigation and uses the MASH’ investigation report’ as the basis for decision making regarding internal (DES) action.
“Schools are further expected to provide counselling services for affected students to support them throughout the process, and if staff members are returned to school following the outcome of an investigation, their return is handled as sensitively as possible. We appreciate members of the public’s continued vigilance and concern and assure them that we are committed to safeguarding the well-being of all the children entrusted in our care.”
To learn more about the National Staff Safeguarding policy visit: http://www.education.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/mehhome/education/policies.