The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) has appointed Ms. Carolina Ferreira as its first Designated Safeguarding Lead, marking a significant step in strengthening the protection of children and vulnerable adults across the Ministry. In this newly established role, Ms. Ferreira will provide strategic leadership for safeguarding, overseeing the development and implementation of policies, coordinating training, monitoring compliance and effectiveness, and leading awareness and education initiatives to embed a strong safeguarding culture across MHES.
"The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults has been identified as a key priority under this Government's Strategic Policy Statement, and the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has an important role to play in achieving that goal," said Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability.
"Healthcare professionals are often among the first to recognise when someone may be at risk. They monitor children's growth and development, provide care to older adults, deliver services in people's homes, and build trusted relationships with patients and families. Through those interactions, they are well placed to identify concerns, provide guidance, and connect individuals with the support they need. Establishing this dedicated safeguarding role strengthens the systems, guidance and oversight that support staff across the Ministry in carrying out that responsibility.”
Youth mental health will also be a focal point of the Ministry’s safeguarding work.
“Mental health is as important to children’s wellbeing and safety as their physical health, and we know that abuse and neglect can adversely impact a child’s mental health. Mental health and safeguarding intersect where a child’s mental ill health puts them at risk of harm, either from themselves or others. There is a great deal to be done in this area, and the Ministry responsible for Health needs to be more visible in leading this work,” Minister Ebanks-Wilks adds.
Ms. Ferreira brings more than 20 years of experience in advocacy, children's rights, child protection, and gender and sexuality education. She began her career with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), supporting the Kid's Net programme for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
After returning to the Cayman Islands, she served as Deputy Director and Child Protection and Sexuality Education Programme Manager at the Cayman Islands Red Cross, where she led the multi-agency Protection Starts Here child sexual abuse prevention project. Under her leadership, the initiative established the free Stewards of Children training programme, developed the My Body is My Own child abuse prevention curriculum, launched the Seal of Protection safeguarding initiative to help organisations strengthen child protection policies, and coordinated post-pandemic health and wellness checks for vulnerable children and families.
She also led a regional safeguarding initiative for the British Red Cross Overseas branches in the Caribbean and joined the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability in 2022 as Communications Manager. During her tenure, she represented the Ministry on several key child safeguarding and children's rights committees, including the Strategic Partnership Working Group of the Cayman Islands Child Safeguarding Board and the Lanzarote Convention Committee.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Ferreira said: "I am honoured to once again apply my experience, skills and academic training in service to our community. I am committed to advancing a child rights-based approach to safeguarding that not only protects children from harm but also empowers them, strengthens families, and promotes long-term wellbeing. Health plays a vital role throughout every stage of life, placing healthcare professionals in a unique position to identify vulnerability, provide support, and work collaboratively with partners to protect the health, wellbeing and dignity of our most vulnerable citizens. I look forward to helping strengthen the systems that make this possible."
Chief Officer Ms. Tamara Ebanks welcomed Ms. Ferreira's appointment, noting the importance of dedicated leadership in strengthening safeguarding across the health sector.
“The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has a critical role to play in safeguarding our most vulnerable populations. This important area of work has long required dedicated leadership, given its far-reaching implications for legislation, policy, professional practice, and collaboration across ministries and agencies.
For more than two decades, Carolina has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and a genuine passion for protecting children and vulnerable people. She has continually sought opportunities to expand her expertise and make meaningful contributions to our community. We are proud to have someone with her depth of experience, subject matter expertise, and understanding of the Cayman Islands leading this work, and we look forward to the positive impact she will make."
The establishment of the Designated Safeguarding Lead reflects the Ministry's ongoing commitment to strengthening safeguarding systems, building workforce capacity, and working collaboratively with partners to protect the health, wellbeing and dignity of children and vulnerable adults across the Cayman Islands.