PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE Department of Social Development and Welfare
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Department of Social Development and Welfare, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, is proud to stand with the global community in observing Child Abuse Prevention Month, beginning April 1, 2025. This year’s theme, “Powered By Hope, Strengthened By Prevention,” underscores our shared responsibility to protect the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensuring they grow up safe, loved, and brimming with potential. It also reflects the Department’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding and supporting the children of our nation.
Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for reflection, action, and unity. By raising awareness, educating ourselves, and supporting one another, we can empower families, enhance prevention efforts, and inspire hope for a safer and brighter future for our children.
To mark this important occasion, the Department of Social Development and Welfare has organized a series of initiatives designed to raise awareness and inspire action. Among these are child safeguarding training sessions designed to equip frontline workers, community members, and stakeholders with the tools to recognize, prevent, and address child abuse and neglect.
Minister Shaun Malcolm, responsible for the Department of Social Development and Welfare, shared a heartfelt message, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion: “Every child deserves to grow up in a world where they feel safe, cherished, and free to dream, and every family deserves the support to make that a reality. With hope lighting our way, we have the power to create meaningful change. Prevention begins with each of us, and this April, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to safeguarding our most precious treasures—our children. Hon Malcolm also took the opportunity to honor the communities and individuals who work tirelessly to safeguard and uplift our children. As we come together this April, let us remember that every step we take toward prevention brings us closer to a future where all children in the Turks and Caicos Islands are safe, supported, and cherished.”
The Department of Social Development and Welfare encourages everyone—community members, stakeholders, educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, faith groups, and individuals—to join in this month-long observance, by attending events wearing blue as a symbol of solidarity, or spreading awareness, every action contributes to a collective message of hope and prevention.
For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programs, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.
Contact numbers:
Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008
Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684
North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12
South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321
To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:
MASH: 1-649-338-4013
mash@gov.tc
reportabusetci@gov.tc
Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare
Facebook: @department of social development, tci
