Social Services officials led by Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles Laroda held a press conference on Monday outlining their interventions into the life of Adriel Moxey who was found dead last week.  There has been public outcry since the death of the 12 year old whose mother admitted to having mental health issues.

Laroda told reporters that more should have been done.  He said, “I can say that in one of those cases that the Department of Social Services take steps to intervene but we were not successful.  I would also say there was another matter that occurred, I think, in July in 2022, it fair to say that the Department did not go as far as we could have done.  So it’s fair to say that we could have done more.”

There are 249 child related cases under investigation by the Department of Social Services.  Assistant Director of Social Services, Gabrielle Romer revealed that cases are brought to the attention of the Department by Guidance Counselors.  “Often times with Guidance Counselors once they bring a matter to our attention we definitely go and visit the home because we do have an officer assigned to every school throughout The Bahamas.”

Minister Laroda said that meetings are planned with social services stakeholders as well as the police, non-governmental organizations and churches to review existing protocols with a view to making the necessary adjustments required.   He also said, “internally the Department of Social Services will also review its protocols to ensure that loopholes or missteps are eliminated and stringent measures are put in place for the proper follow-up of cases.”