A new study has found that Barbados is unprepared to fully roll out its newly passed Child Justice Act, despite significant progress towards building a child-centred justice system, Barbados TODAY can reveal.
The report, made available exclusively to Barbados TODAY, was conducted by Dwayne Devonish, professor of Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill. It reveals that while the country has made notable strides towards a child-centred justice system, “overall readiness for full implementation remains constrained by resource limitations, infrastructural gaps, and the need for stronger institutional coordination”.
The research assessed operational capacity, legal clarity, and organisational preparedness across the child protection and justice sectors.
The findings indicate that the intent and design of the law — which emphasise rehabilitation, diversion, and the protection of children’s rights — are sound and consistent with international standards. However, the support systems and resources essential for its enforcement have not advanced at the same pace.
The study identifies several implementation barriers: staffing levels across multiple agencies remain insufficient to meet statutory obligations, including the 96-hour reporting and assessment timelines.
Professor Devonish said infrastructure also falls short, with limited child-friendly spaces for interviews, temporary holding, and secure rehabilitation. Weaknesses in information-sharing systems continue to affect coordination and case tracking across the justice chain.
To address these gaps, the research proposes the establishment of a Child Justice Steering Committee to provide national oversight and coordination — comprising representatives from justice, welfare, education, and law enforcement. This body would monitor progress, resolve operational challenges, and ensure consistent policy direction.
The report recommends regulatory clarification on key provisions such as the definition of places of safety, the interpretation of the 96-hour assessment period, and the structure of the Reintegration Board — for example, clarifying responsibilities across the Child Care Board, Probation Department, and the courts.
Strengthening human and physical capacity is also identified as a top priority. The study calls for targeted recruitment and training in frontline and supervisory roles — including the Probation Department, Police Service, Child Care Board, and Government Industrial School (GIS) — alongside investment in suitable assessment centres and rehabilitation facilities designed for children.
The creation of a shared electronic information system linking justice, welfare, and custodial agencies — such as the police, CCB, Probation Department, GIS, and the judiciary — is recommended to support timely data exchange and monitoring of child-related cases.
The report further advocates for the development of formal inter-agency protocols and memoranda of understanding to strengthen referral, case management, and reintegration processes. Consistent cross-agency training and public awareness campaigns are encouraged to deepen understanding of the provisions of the Child Justice Act, and promote public support for rehabilitation and diversion programmes.
The research finds that Barbados has built a strong legislative platform for a modern, restorative child justice system. But to convert policy into sustained results, renewed emphasis must be placed on implementation infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership.
The study calls for a structured monitoring and evaluation framework with annual progress reviews and a dedicated implementation budget across all key sectors. When adequately resourced and strategically managed, the Child Justice Act has the potential to transform Barbados’ approach to youth justice — anchoring rehabilitation, accountability, and the protection of children at the heart of national reform.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
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