Dowers: Government must strengthen conditions for child protection

ORANJESTAD — Justice Minister Arthur Dowers says the Government must continue strengthening the conditions needed for the Directie Voogdijraad (DVR) to effectively protect minors and support judicial proceedings involving children and families.

During a visit to the agency, director Aisca Berkemeyer and staff briefed Dowers on DVR’s responsibilities, its day-to-day operations and the challenges employees face in handling cases.

The minister was also shown the case-management system used by Voogdijraad to register information, process cases and support its internal workflow. The system plays an important role in managing sensitive information and coordinating interventions.

Voogdijraad has a central role in protecting the welfare of minors and assisting judicial authorities in family-related cases. Effective cooperation with social services and other partners in the justice system is therefore essential.

Dowers stressed that child protection cannot rest solely on the professionals working directly with children and families. He said the Government also has a responsibility to ensure that these professionals have the conditions necessary to perform their work effectively and professionally.

His comments place greater emphasis on strengthening Voogdijraad and improving institutional cooperation as part of Aruba’s child-protection system.