The House of Assembly is debating a new Child Protection Bill as the minister responsible warns that there is a frightening amount of child abuse in this country.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, says current laws are outdated, leaving the Child Care Board with limited power to act.
But that will change under the new laws that Mr. Humphrey says have been drafted in collaboration with UNICEF, after extensive consultation.
He notes that the abusers are often people the children and their families know and trust.
Mr. Humphrey believes that is why the provision for mandatory reporting is so important.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey who also disclosed that a Child Justice Bill goes to Parliament next week.