The Tribune

THE Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development revealed that it has started the process of providing assistance to the family of Shelton Delano Tinker, the eight-month-old who was shot dead in his home on Monday.

A statement from the ministry said officials are ensuring the needs of the immediate family are met through counselling and emotional support.

The infant’s mother and father were also injured during the shooting and were taken to hospital.

The ministry added that the “circumstances of this situation are being thoroughly assessed through the Department of Social Services’ Child Protection Unit.”

It was noted that the department also provides intervention and assistance to families experiencing domestic violence and other personal crises, through its Domestic Violence and Counselling Unit, which is located upstairs of Galleria Cinemas in the RND Plaza.

“Although the Department of Social Services traditionally sets aside the month of April to focus on the nation’s attention on matters related to child protection, we have begun a new initiative to assertively coordinate our efforts with our civil and social partners to eradicate the abuse and neglect of children year-round.

“We take this opportunity to appeal to the public to report any cases where they suspect that a child is being, or appears to be abused, neglected or abandoned,” the statement said. “Please be assured that those who report can remain anonymous. They do not need proof of these matters, since it is the job of the police and the Department of Social Services to prove cases.

“The National Hotline is a 24-hour service operated by the ministry to address matters of abuse for children and adults.”

The National Hotline can be reached at 322-2763 or 422-276 while the Domestic Violence Unit can be reached at 323-0171.