In the meantime, a very different disaster has arrived. Corona not only disrupts health care, public life and the economy, but poses additional risks for children.

The pandemic heavily impacted societies around the world, including Sint Maarten. The most vulnerable children in particular, are impacted by the severe consequences of the covid-19 pandemic. On the one hand, measures such as a lockdown, closing of non-essential businesses, and halting travel are imperative to stop the spread of the virus in order to limit the impact on public health. On the other hand, many families are facing loss of income as the economy is heavily affected by the measures. The Court of Guardianship has already received notices of the inability to continue child support payments.

Children, particularly those in alternative care, are having a difficult time now that the structure of their daily activities such as school, friends, family visits and after school activities has disappeared. This can lead to behavioral problems, which puts an additional strain on parents and caregivers. The Court of Guardianship has also received reports of separated parents not keeping to the visitation scheme due to fear of covid-19. This impacts on the child who is not able to spend time with the other parent and family members. Families that are already caring for children with disabilities or with behavioral problems are likely to face hardship behind closed doors.

The preventative measures, such as maintaining social distancing between persons, will require innovative and creative solutions to reach children, especially the most vulnerable children. At the same time professionals also face reduced capacity to work due to care for children and family members. It is still unclear exactly what the consequences of this pandemic will be. It is certain that it is particularly important at this time to pay attention to what professionals can do for vulnerable children, both now and later, when the lockdown is over. Because that is what we learn from research: for children, the effects of disasters can last longer than the disaster itself. Fortunately, they are resilient. You can help them with that.

“We had an increase of 150 percent in calls to report domestic abuse cases after Irma,” confirms Cassandra Richardson, former Director of Safe Haven, a shelter for battered women on Sint Maarten. “It is unclear if the increase in reports is due to the fact that violence itself escalated or due to the fact that families find themselves in more severe situations”, she adds.

“After the hurricane people are facing homelessness, unemployment and other stress-factors that put basic living needs at risk - which raises the urgency to seek help.”

This statement is not uncommon according to research done after natural disasters. For instance, the World Health Organization says in a report: “Disasters disrupt physical and social environments. The repercussions of this have an immediate and a long-term impact, including health problems that can lead to violence: increased stress and feelings of powerlessness due to bereavement, loss of property and loss of livelihood; mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder; the scarcity of basic provisions; destruction of social networks; breakdown of law enforcement; cessation of violence prevention and other social support programs and disruptions to the economy.”  

The Netherlands Red Cross estimated that 90 percent of structures on Sint Maarten suffered damage. Two years after the hurricane, only 10 percent of it has been refurbished. Although there have been a number of restoration efforts, the economy, which is dependent on the tourism industry, has a long way to go toward full recovery. The reconstruction has almost stopped. In a report and a youtube-video from October 2019, the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten mentioned a ‘social crisis’.

The St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) is the only social housing entity on the island. Pre-Hurricane Irma, the organization had a waiting list of 1400 family units, post Irma this has increased to 2400 (± 6000 persons)

Elencia notes that this is even more problematic for the high percentage of single mothers on the island who work for minimum wage or less: “Minimum wage is around $840 a month for a 40-hour workweek. You would be lucky to find a one-bedroom apartment for $500 in a lower-income area. It is nearly impossible to properly care for yourself and children with whatever finances are left.”

Clara Curiel, who is a teacher and director of an after-school program, sees these struggles that parents are facing firsthand: “Some of our parents became unemployed after Irma, and as a result they just can’t pay the fees anymore.” 

According to the St. Maarten Department of Statistics, unemployment rose from 6.2 percent in 2017 before hurricane Irma to 9.9 percent in 2018. Clara, along with other educational facilitators, has done her best to continue providing care for her students. “We do not want to turn families away, especially when they need us most,” says Clara, whose staff often volunteers their time due to lack of funds for the payment of stipends or salaries.

Trauma due to Hurricane Irma and the stress of homelessness and unemployment can cause psychological complications, which lead to violence. Psychologist Alexandra van Luijken has treated a number of patients with mental health issues related to Hurricane Irma. “Extreme or extended periods of stress cause a person to go into survival mode. In this state of mind, you lose your ability to absorb and handle difficult situations. This causes people to feel powerless, which results in people hurting each other.” 

“Many of the issues we are dealing with now are issues we have had for many years – Hurricane Irma just intensified them,” this view was expressed by various professionals interviewed. In their opinion, it is high time to tackle the roots of societal issues to prevent the dangerous situations many households and their children found themselves in after Hurricane Irma. “This way households will have a stronger foundation to soften the blows of the next natural disaster.”

Working at the CoG can be challenging, but Kimberly always tries to remember her main objective: “I want all children to have the experience of being loved, appreciated and cared for. In my current field it can, at times, be hard to remember why I became a social worker. Sometimes the negativity can be consuming and your good intentions are not always seen as such. Nevertheless, knowing at the end of the day that I did my best with integrity gives me the strength I need to go on.” 

“There are many different warning signs that can indicate abuse. Physical abuse or neglect is often easier to detect as you can see signs such as bruises or unhealthy hygiene. Psychological abuse might be a bit harder to take notice of; this can, for example, be signaled because the child is showing extreme behaviors such as acting out or exhibiting withdrawn behavior.

One should also be aware of certain characteristics of parents that can lead to abuse, such as mental illness and the use of alcohol and drugs. Parents that have a history of experiencing abuse in their youth are also more likely to become abusers themselves. We also see the risk increase when a child is unwanted, as is the case at times with young single mothers who have a low education and no support system. 

Usually persons who work closely with children would know the warning signs. For those who are less familiar with the signs, or new to a job working with children, we would advise to do some research by asking colleagues, reading books, searching online etc. You can always call the CoG for advice, and we also give presentations for entities that wish to gain more knowledge on child abuse and the role of the CoG.”

“The CoG is the ‘central reporting center on child abuse’ (CMK, centrale meldpunt kindermishandeling) on the island. This means that all reports of possible abuse, however minor, should be shared with the CoG so that this can be filed, assessed and, if needed, action taken. However, it is important to realize that the CoG should not be seen as the ‘first to have to take action’ in cases of possible child abuse. First the professionals themselves should take actions within their reach to resolve an unsafe situation. 

This means that, for example, if a teacher suspects that a child is being neglected, this should first be discussed with the school’s social worker and/or handled by the ‘care team’. The social worker can then talk with the parents, find out what is taking place and work with the parents to make a plan of action. When all possibilities within the school system have been exhausted, the social worker (care team) can report to CoG. The CoG should be seen as the last resort to safeguard the minor.”

Only in extreme cases is a protective measure in combination with an out of the home placement inevitable. 

Whomever we advise - the child and their best interests are central, and in most cases these interests include keeping the parents involved.

Another misconception is that the CoG is solely responsible to ensure the safety of a child. As mentioned, if a professional suspects that a child’s wellbeing is in danger – he or she has to take action first. Taking action can mean: involving the social worker within their organization, talking to the parents, or informing the family of available services.”

“The professional has already taken action and all resources within their reach have been exhausted to improve the situation of the child. The parents must be informed by the professional that they will be reporting the case to CoG, unless informing parents places the child at risk. Your report to the CoG should be detailed and in writing. It is also of great help when the professional is prepared to continue supporting the COG with more information or action if needed.”

“A social worker at the Medical Center received a concern from the doctor that a newborn baby was showing signs of cocaine withdrawal. The social worker immediately informed CoG of this and was advised on the best plan of action. 

As professionals we have the responsibility not only to point out the law and unacceptable behavior, but also to educate parents on alternatives. There are various organizations, such as the SSSD, that provide counseling and positive parenting classes.”

“On Sint Maarten a lot of families live in poverty. Many earn less than minimum wage, while having to care for multiple children. We have single parent households etc. Certain parents have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet and are therefore hardly ever at home to protect and guide their children. Lack of finances and stress within a household can lead to physical child abuse and neglect.”

In addition, children are left to raise themselves or older children have the responsibility to look after their younger siblings. This often creates an unsafe environment and room for predators as well. Abuse and the lack of structure and guidance can cause children to develop behavioral issues and puts them at risk for delinquency.”

“A first and important step is to expand the child’s network; see if there are reliable family members, friends or neighbors and continue to motivate both parents to be involved in their life.”

Preferably, we want to keep children at home by enhancing the safety within the household and providing parents with intensive support and tools. However, due to the lack of social workers that can assist in the homes this is not always possible. 

On a positive note, we have seen more professionals, such as teachers and health care providers, taking action themselves to improve the wellbeing of children in abuse cases and or when there are concerns about the living situation. Eventually, with the proper support and guidance for families from the professional sector, fewer children will have to be placed out of their homes. We hope that these efforts continue to grow. As the saying goes: “it takes a village.”

“I’ve learned how to cope,” says Meredith Concincion, Senior Family Guardian, with a smile on her face. “In bad situations, where children are abused, people sometimes wonder how I keep so calm…. and ask me if I care. I care a whole lot, but to do this job well, you cannot let your emotions get the best of you.”

Many cases within the Family Guardianship Department are due to neglect. Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet any of the abovementioned needs. Meredith: “For example, we have had cases where children were left home alone for days at a time, not receiving proper food, hygiene or supervision. This also leaves children open to other forms of abuse.”

In this case, restoring safety can include steps such as: encouraging both parents to be more involved, asking extended family to help out and advising the household to make use of available social programs that provide positive parenting classes, meal programs or after-school activities.

In severe cases restoring the safety of a child is also coupled with placing the child in a safe environment, providing needed therapy and medical attention, and ensuring that the child regains a sense of security.

The Family Guardianship Department has had to deal with as many as 150 cases at one time. However, thanks to the implemention of new regulations, as well as the ‘Delta Method’, their cases have been in steady decline.

The Delta Method helps family guardians to eliminate the developmental threat(s) to the child by setting concrete goals for the family. This is done by formulating the concerns, as well as strengths of the family, translating concerns into possible disruptions to the development of the child, naming desired development outcomes, and then making clear action points with the family.

The lack of judicial repercussions for abusive behavior isn’t the only challenge SJIS and other child-care entities face on Sint Maarten. “We do not have enough safe housing, care facilities, specialized staff or parenting programs to be able to fully do our job to protect children on Sint Maarten,” expresses Cynthia.

Both Cynthia and Meredith can never ‘clock-out’, often staying after office hours: “Our work is underestimated. What happens when you fix a leaking pipe with the wrong tools? It is going to leak again. We are not trying to fix a pipe, we are trying to protect our children – and our community should view this ‘leak’ as a crisis.”

It isn’t only in the best interest of the child to ensure his/her safety, but also for our society. Cynthia stresses: “Child abuse and neglect have been shown to increase the risk of later forms of antisocial behavior, including violence perpetration and crime in adulthood. We notice this firsthand with the adults that we deal with in our probation office.”

Professionals who work with children have an even bigger responsibility. Especially teachers can play a big role in helping to ensure that a child regains a sense of safety after abuse. They often already have a relationship with parents, making it easier to encourage them to take steps towards improvement within the household. Family guardians try to work together with teachers, mental health care-professionals and social workers, but this cooperation could improve. Lastly, although a much bigger step, foster parents are hardly found within Sint Maarten, something that the SJIS would like to see change.

However many challenges the Family Guardianship Department faces, Cynthia and Meredith have seen the positive outcome when parents and the community do prioritize the well-being of a child: “Just a few months ago, the mother of two boys who were under supervision completely turned her life around. She has been going to parental classes, got help from her network, got a job and apartment, and has been actively showing that she wants to be a good parent.”

“One of our children, now a young man, grew up mostly in foster homes. Although he struggled a lot in those years, he got help from various NGO’s and individuals, and now has a stable job and is hoping to save enough to further his studies. A twelve-year-old girl got adopted by a foster family this year. She was placed in the system due to neglect. Although she could not be placed back at home, she was welcomed by a great foster family and is now in safe hands.”

Restoring the safety of a child can be complicated. However, when we all work together, it makes it a lot easier. Meredith: “Just ask yourself: what do I need to feel safe; and then realize that children cannot provide many of those things for themselves. They need their parents, family, teachers, doctors and community to help them.”