Mariah Barcinas is a child protective services intervention specialist of the Division of Youth Services.
DIVISION of Youth Services Child Protective Services Intervention Specialist Mariah Barcinas is proud to announce that the CNMI Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry project was included in the “Telling Our Stories” webpage of the Capacity Building Center for States of the Administration for Children and Families, which is under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Barcinas said this national recognition “is a testament to the innovative work being done in child welfare in the CNMI.”
“Working with the Capacity Building Center for States has been an enriching experience,” she added. “Their expertise in child welfare has been instrumental in addressing the specific challenges faced by our CNMI families.”
Barcinas said their partnership with the center “has not only provided the CNMI with valuable resources and knowledge, but also inspired us to create a system that is responsive, effective and culturally sensitive.”
“I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am optimistic about the positive impact this registry will have on our CNMI children and families,” Barcinas said.
Last month, Barcinas and DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan announced that they were finalizing the draft policies for the establishment of the CNMI’s first central registry for child abuse and neglect. The project was funded by a technical assistance grant provided by the Capacity Building Center for States.
The registry marks a significant milestone in child protection efforts in the CNMI, DYS said.
