Child Protection Month, 2026, began Wednesday, April 1, in The Bahamas with an admonition from Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, to: “Let Child Protection Month 2026 be remembered as the moment we strengthened our promise — a promise to build safe spaces, a promise to protect our children, and a promise to secure a stronger future for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
Minister LaRoda called on parents to strengthen positive parenting practices; on schools and churches to reinforce safe and supportive environments; on communities to look out for one another; and on the media to continue shining a light on child protection issues responsibly and ethically.
He said the Government of The Bahamas remains “firmly committed” to strengthening child protection systems, improving prevention efforts, and ensuring timely and coordinated responses when children are at risk.
“Through the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting’s Department of Social Services and our partner agencies, we continue to work tirelessly to protect children and support families. However, government’s action alone is not enough. Building safe spaces requires vigilance — the courage to speak up when something is wrong. It requires education — so parents, caregivers, and communities understand children’s rights and needs. And it requires compassion — to listen to children, believe them, and act in their best interests.”
Minister LaRoda said Child Protection Month is more than just a time for national reflection, “but more importantly, it is a time for national responsibility.”
“Today, we gather with purpose and with urgency as we officially launch Child Protection Month 2026, observed under the theme ‘Building Safe Spaces: A Community Promise to Our Children,’” Mr. LaRoda said while addressing the annual press conference, March 27.
“This theme is not merely a slogan. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that the safety of our children cannot rest on laws alone, or on one ministry, or on the government by itself. It is a promise — one that must be upheld by families, communities, institutions, and every Bahamian who believes in the future of this nation.
“Children thrive when they are safe — safe in their homes, safe in their schools, safe in their communities, safe online and safe in every space where they learn, play, and grow. Yet, we know that too many of our children continue to face abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence — often in places where they should feel most protected.
“To our children and young people, let me say this clearly: You matter. Your voices matter. And your safety is our responsibility. As Minister of Social Services, I reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no child in The Bahamas is invisible, unheard, or unprotected. Together, let us move beyond awareness to action. Let us turn our shared concern into collective commitment.”
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