All the children in our care should be given the opportunity to enrich their lives in a safe and nurturing environment.
History
On the 15th April 1975 the Child Care Center was opened for 12 children under the supervision of the then Department of Social Development.
In 1995 the center was expanded enabling up to 25 children between the ages of 1 year to 18 years to be housed comfortably.
In 1999 the center was renamed the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center in honor of Mrs. Dorothy Menzies who is currently the Chairperson of the Board and who has dedicated countless hours of her time and energies to enhancing the experience of the children at the Center.
The Center has seen a gradual increase in the number of children needing protective care over the years. This has led to the opening of other similar centers across the country. The average population presently at the Center ranges between 30 and 50.
The Children
The children represent the many different cultural backgrounds found in Belize. The children come to the Center for many reasons. Most of the children at the center have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. These children need a loving and caring environment in which to grow and develop.
The Management
A Board of Governors, made up of caring individuals from the community, is appointed by the Ministry of Human Development, Women and Civil Society to assist with the smooth running of the Center. The Board consists of ten members and has representation from the Ministry in the form of the Director of the Human Services Department, the Coordinator of the Family Services Division and the Foster Mother of the Center. The other members represent the public, private, and business community.
The Board of Governors identifies and develops projects to enhance the quality of service offered to the children at the center. The board is authorized and actively solicits funds for the financing of these projects.
The board is currently looking at enhancing the counseling and guidance offered to the center by providing a full time counselor resident at the Center to provide ongoing counseling and support to the children at the Center.
