The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will be observing Child Month throughout May. DCFS is gearing up for a month of activities to honour our children. The observance aims to develop awareness about the needs of our children and how to best support them which includes a focus on the systems around them, especially the family unit.
The 2023 Child Month activities will be implemented around the theme “Investing in Our Children Means Investing in Our Future”. When we invest in our children we positively influence their mental, physical, spiritual and ultimately their financial wellbeing. When our children, families and society, in general, are in good physical, mental, spiritual and financial health, they can participate optimally in life; therefore, investing in our children creates the foundation of a healthy future for our society.
During Child Month, the Department will focus the attention of children, parents, partner agencies and the Cayman Islands community on:
How to invest in our children
Celebrating children and family life
Recognizing the talents, achievements and community service of our children.
Creating opportunities for befriending, inspiring, respecting and supporting children.
In an era where there are so many competing influences, it is fundamental that we encourage and inspire our children to acknowledge their strengths, recognize their abilities and embrace their special talents and worth, despite pressures from peers, social media and other distractions.
Some activities include church services in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, a mental health sensitization session, in partnership with Alex Panton Foundation will be broadcast on Radio Cayman and games nights in each district throughout the month.
As customary, we are extending an invitation to children, families and the general public to participate in the activities and celebrations. It is also an excellent opportunity for families to bond and for persons to extend support to children whose circumstances are less than ideal.
This year’s child month activities have been made possible through a partnership with a number of organizations/departments such as the Youth Services Unit, The Family Resource Centre, UCCI School of Social Work, Circle of Love Women’s Ministry, Alex Panton Foundation, Cayman Islands Early Childhood Association, The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, Brac Snacks, Eats & Treats, Elmslie Memorial Church, West Bay Assembly of God, Webster Memorial United Church, John Gray Memorial Church, Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, St. George’s Anglican Church, New Testament Church Cayman Brac, Radio Cayman, Chamber of Commerce and Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development. We also extend special thanks to our sponsors Fosters Food Fair, Cost U Less, and Next Chapter and welcome the support of others during this month of activities.
Please see below the 2023 Child Month Calendar for details of the events.
You may also contact DCFS at 949-0290 for more information.