The government, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), has provided extensive protection, counselling, healthcare coordination and monitoring services to hundreds of girls under the age of 16 who became pregnant over the past five years.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud disclosed in the National Assembly on Friday that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 584 girls under the age of 16 who became pregnant were referred to the Childcare and Protection Agency.
The minister explained that every reported case involving a child under 16 was treated as a child protection matter and received comprehensive intervention.
“When a child under the age of 16 gives birth or is identified as pregnant, and the matter is brought to the attention of the Childcare and Protection Agency, a comprehensive child protection risk assessment is conducted,” Minister Persaud stated.
Upon receiving a report, child protection officers interview the child to determine the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and launch an investigation. The cases are also reported to the Guyana Police Force, as pregnancies involving children under 16 are statutory offences under Guyanese law.
The agency’s intervention process includes forensic interviews, family investigations, home visits and assessments of the child’s living environment.
According to the minister, risk assessments focus on identifying alleged perpetrators, determining whether they live in the household, evaluating the home’s safety, and assessing caregiving arrangements. Officers also work to ensure affected children receive the medical care they need.
Where necessary, children are registered at health clinics and monitored to ensure they attend antenatal and postnatal appointments.
In cases referred through hospitals, the agency coordinates directly with healthcare providers to develop individual follow-up plans for each child.
When investigations reveal unsafe living conditions, particularly where perpetrators remain in the home, the agency removes the child and places her in alternative care. Children assessed to be in safe and stable environments may remain with their families under continued supervision.
The agency’s involvement continues after delivery, with regular follow-up visits, counselling services, parenting support and referrals to additional social services to strengthen family support systems.
Minister Persaud noted that cases are closed when the agency is satisfied that both the child and infant are living in a safe and stable environment and that all identified risks have been adequately addressed.
The minister also highlighted the government’s broader efforts to support adolescent mothers through structured programmes that provide counselling, parenting education and reintegration assistance.
These initiatives help young mothers return to the formal education system or access technical and vocational training opportunities. Additional support is provided through collaboration among the Ministries of Human Services, Health and Education.
Minister Persaud further stated that while there is no single stand-alone policy governing referrals, healthcare providers and the Ministry of Health routinely notify the Childcare and Protection Agency when pregnancies involving children under 16 are identified, ensuring that timely protection and support services can be activated.