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May 2, 2013
The National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC) expresses its sincerest
condolences to the families of Felicia Chen and Thomas Teul on the loss of their loved ones.
The nation mourns with them and laments the unfortunate circumstances that led to such a
tragic outcome. The death of any child is regrettable but the death of three children demands
that we pause and reflect on how to strengthen the support to families to ensure that there is
awareness of the warning signs and where to access services to prevent future occurrences.
So while the country grapples with this very perplexing and sobering incident there are a few
considerations worthy of our attention. The NCFC takes this opportunity to share these
with the nation.
It still takes a Village!
As we go through a collective grieving process it is expected that there will be much pre-
occupation with assigning blame for the unfortunate events that led to the loss of these
children’s lives. However, there is still wisdom in the age old adage of “needing a village to
raise a child.” Government and non-governmental organizations must coordinate amongst
themselves to ensure that the services they provide reach those families and children who are
in dire need of them. There is also a need for parents, families and communities to aid in
protecting our children. There must be a social alliance of “zero tolerance to violence”
against our children in all its forms. As a society we need to come to the consensus that
violence against children is un-justifiable.
The recent initiatives to promote alternative measures to discipline/and subsequent removal
of corporal punishment was a first step in demonstrating the type of reform necessary for
substantial change. In our homes, in the schools and in the community we must cultivate a
culture of respecting the rights of our children to a safe and secure environment in which
they are nurtured and allowed the opportunity to become productive citizens. The most
important setting for this to be demonstrated is within the homes that children live. Families
must support each other at the community level.
“Championing the Rights, Welfare and Development of Belizean Families and Children”

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Support Services for Families and Children – Help is available!
As the fundamental unit of our society –our country will only be as strong and productive as
the families that make up our communities. Our government has the duty to support parents
in their natural responsibility of rearing and nurturing children. Through the Ministry of
Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation many support
programs are in place that offer assistance to families who are having difficulties coping with
fulfilling these responsibilities. These services include financial, parenting, counseling,
empowerment, education and case management support to individuals, families and
children. Additionally there are Non-Governmental Organizations that offer services to
vulnerable families. The Youth Enhancement Services (YES) continues to offer support to
teenage mothers. The National Organization for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect
(NOPCAN) offers support to families dealing with abuse prevention and alternative forms
of discipline. The Mental Health Association of Belize continues its awareness on the need
for greater focus on mental health. There are many opportunities for families to get help and
a visit to the NCFC’s website at www.ncfc.org.bz provides a social service directory that
helps families to navigate these service providers.
Media Coverage of Incidents Involving Children
The NCFC recognizes the public’s interest in issues affecting Belizean communities. We also
recognize that in a democracy the media has the role of providing information and creating
awareness. But there is also an important function the Media and journalist fulfill in
maintaining the balance between information sharing and protecting the family and child’s
privacy. Privacy is important because it allows for the affected child to regain normalcy and
reduce the stigma and discrimination from adults and peers at school and in the community.
Responsible media houses demonstrate a high level of sensitivity in reporting to reduce the
harm to the surviving child. Additionally media houses must be reminded that the case is
under investigation and is therefore governed by legal protocols that ensure the protection
of all children involved in these types of cases. For ease of reference the following is an
excerpt from the Families and Children Act Section 153 (1 -6) that govern coverage of cases
involving a child witness. Journalist should take special measures to adhere to the proper
protocols when reporting on stories involving children.
(1)A court may decide to sit in private for the whole or part of any proceedings in which any
power under this Act may be exercised by that court with respect to any child.
(2) It shall be an offence for any person to publish any material which is intended, or is
likely, to identify -
(a) any child as being involved in any proceedings before a
court in which any power under this Act may be exercised
by the court with respect to that or any other child; or
(b) an address or school as being that of a child involved in
any such proceedings; or
(c) any child involved in any alleged crime, whether as a victim,

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Witness or the accused person.
(3) In any proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defense for the accused
to prove that he did not know, and had no reason to suspect, that the published material was
intended, or was likely, to identify the child.
(4) The court may, if satisfied that the welfare of the child requires it, by order dispense with
the requirements of subsection (2) (a) or (b) to such extent as may be specified in the order.
(5) For the purposes of this section -“publish” includes-
(a) broadcast by radio, television or cable or satellite
television; or
(b) cause to be published in any newspaper or by any other
manner whatever; and
“material” includes any picture or representation.
(6) Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence
and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or to both such fine
and term of imprisonment.
The sanctity of human life and the innocence of childhood must be preserved. Our youngest
citizens deserve the assurance of safety and security from those entrusted with the
responsibility to protect them and help them to develop to their fullest potential. Protection
from all forms of violence is a basic right! As families continue to meet the challenges of
parenting in these times please be assured that the NCFC and its partners are working to
amplify the impact of their programs and services necessary to nurture resilient families.
For any further information contact:
Pearl Stuart OR Luwani Cayetano
Chairperson Executive Director
National Committee for Families and Children
62 Cleghorn Street
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 223.0059
ncfc@btl.net
www.ncfc.org.bz