New protocols announced for reporting child abuse of schoolchildren

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan announced Wednesday the release of an audit conducted by the John Praed Foundation, reviewing the policies and procedures of the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) concerning the reporting of child abuse.

This audit, commissioned by the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS), provides an analysis of the reporting mechanisms and identifies systemic challenges while offering critical recommendations for improvement. It is part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the territory’s youth and ensuring accountability within the school system, Government House said.

Bryan emphasized that this audit is an overarching review of policies within the Department of Education and not related to any specific case or event. “This report serves as an essential tool in our commitment to protect every child within the Virgin Islands school system,” he said. “This audit offers an opportunity to address any vulnerabilities in our child abuse reporting protocols and ensure we are doing everything we can to safeguard our children. It’s not about any one case, but about identifying systemic challenges across our entire school system and creating long-term solutions that foster a culture of safety and accountability.”