On the 28th of June, 2023, the Public Entity of Bonaire and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) organised an information evening for the directors of childcare centres on Bonaire. They were informed about the compulsory Protection Code (Kodigo di Protekshon) that will come into effect in the Caribbean Netherlands as of the 1st of January 2024. This code specifies the definitions of domestic violence and child abuse, and explains how professionals can deal with signals that point to such violence and abuse. Organisations that work with children, including childcare centres, are obligated to comply with this Protection Code. Each organisation will be required to compile an implementation plan. When doing so, they can follow training courses and rely on support from experts in the field.
In May and June, level 3 and 4 students of the MBO training pedagogical employee were taught about domestic violence and child abuse. They learned how to better recognise cases of domestic violence and child abuse, to talk about the issue with parents, and to work together to request help if necessary. The lessons were concluded with an exam and a certificate.
