(PSS) — On Monday, March 30, 2021, the Public School System’s Mental Health Program, Project Haligi Aware, held a child abuse and neglect policy collaborative work session with district staff and local partnering agencies, such as the Division of Youth Services, the Department of Public Safety, the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence and the Office of the Attorney General.
The main goal of the work session is to review and make necessary changes to the existing standard operating procedures when child abuse or neglect is suspected and reported. All partnering agencies present at the event have a significant role in providing the necessary support for neglected or abused children; therefore, creating streamline processes Across all partnering agencies is critical to upholding the loss and providing optimal protection and safety for children.
The executive director of the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Board of Education member Maisie B. Tenorio said, “This work session is a reminder that there are so many people in our community who love and care for children and want the best for them. We may have different ideas about how to do that work, but we are all in it for the same purpose at the end of the day. We want to create a safe environment for our kids, empower them, empower parents, and empower our community to do their part and keep our children safe. It is great to be with a group of people who are doing the same thing as you are and being reminded that you are not alone and there are so many people out there that are just as dedicated, if not, more so.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred Ada said, “Our students are our priority. We will do anything to make our children safe. Many of the issues discussed are heavy-hearted but essential to examine because we support initiatives that aim to improve and complement the child protection systems and protocols established to safeguard our children from all forms of risk.”
Haligi Aware and local partnering agencies are committed to continued collaboration in order to improve the existing standard operating procedures to ensure the inclusion of children’s safety and mental wellness. Haligi Aware supports the CNMI PSS goal of providing a safe and caring learning environment that supports all students’ behavioral health and academic achievement.
Haligi is the Chamorro term for the pillar of the Latte Stone, and like the haligi, the project team aspires to support the mental well-being of all PSS students, staff, and families.
If you or someone that you care for needs immediate support, please call:
• PSS Student and Support Services at 664-3822. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• System of Care at 664-4604. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800) 273-8255 which provides counseling and support 24 hours a day.
• If it is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the CHCC Emergency Room.
Education officials and other stakeholders pose for a photo following a child abuse and neglect policy collaborative work session on March 30, 2021.
PSS photo
