CPFSA launches probe into injuries sustained by one-year-old Haitian child in State care

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency says it has launched an investigation into a matter in which a one-year-old Haitian child sustained injuries to her face while in State care.

On Friday, the child’s mother was granted $150,000 bail on humanitarian grounds in the St Catherine Parish Court, arising from the injuries sustained by her child.

It was argued that the woman should be released to care for her child.

The accused, Fabienne Cherisma, screamed upon seeing her one-year-old child, while the father, who is also a defendant, collapsed in the dock.

They are among four persons charged with overstaying and who are before the court.

The apparent injuries on the face of the child did not escape the concern of presiding Judge Roneiph Lawrence.

The girl had appeared in court in the care of a Child Protection and Family Services Agency officer.

Observations made in court revealed that the child had black-and-blue bruise marks under her eyes and what appeared to be burn marks on her chin and cheek.

It was revealed in court that a medical report stated that the injuries were non-accidental.

The judge enquired how the child was injured while in State care.

The court was told that upon retrieving the child for court, it was revealed that the injuries were sustained on her crib and that an investigation is under way.

Responding to the issues, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, in a statement on Monday, indicated that the matter is being treated with utmost urgency and importance.

Further, the agency said it is fast-tracking the installation of security cameras at the childcare facility where the incident happened.

It added that it takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse.

“Based on the outcome of the investigation, [we] stand ready to execute all measures or sanctions regarding child abuse in keeping with the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA 2004).”

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