Mrs. Rachel Walker, Regional Manager for Swanwick Lodge and Residential Service Manager for all residential homes in Hampshire County UK, visited the island from March 4th-8th where she reviewed the policies and practices of Zenaida Haven and conducted training with Seniors, Care Staff of Zenaida Haven and Probation Officers with responsibilities for Juveniles. Additionally, she made courtesy calls on the Governor and Magistrates, met with the Department’s Correctional Services Counsellor as well as residents of Zenaida Haven
Mrs. Walker reports that, it has been a pleasure working with Zenaida Haven and the Department of Probation. It is clear that there are some skilled and dedicated professionals who are working together to improve the outcomes for the young people who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. I have been working with the Supervisor, Seniors and Care Staff to help them to further understand issues such as adolescent development and the impact of abuse and neglect on the development process. Additionally, we have been looking at managing behaviour to effect positive change in each young person.
She continued by saying that this is a complex area of work, but Anguilla has had the foresight to recognise that the needs of young people are different to those of adult offenders and are working hard to ensure that those living at Zenaida Haven have the opportunity to live a successful adulthood. I am hopeful for a long lasting partnership so that we can continue to work together and learn from each other.
According to Ms. Jocelyn Johnson, Chief Probation Officer of the Department, it is hoped that this is the beginning of a lasting relationship and that Staff of Zenaida Haven can further build on their practice through attachments and future training opportunities in the UK. She extended thanks to Mr. Steve Fradley, Prison Reform Coordinator for the Overseas Territories whose efforts made Mrs. Walkers trip possible.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newsaper.)
