News

The Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development (MIISD) has approved CI$100,000 in additional funding to the CAYS Foundation, operators of the Bonaventure Boys’ Home, Phoenix House and Frances Bodden Children’s Homes, for much-needed upgrades to the organisation’s IT network, additional housing facilities and staff resources.

MIISD Minister Hon. André Ebanks noted that the Ministry’s focus is on implementing a comprehensive social development agenda that will enable all people in the Cayman Islands to reach their full potential. This funding will allow the CAYS Foundation to provide an improved experience for their residents. “We acknowledge the daily challenges the staff of our residential children’s homes face as they support and nurture their residents. Removing administrative barriers such as failing technology and limited space will create greater efficiency as the CAYS Foundation fulfils their mission to offer strength-based development to the children and youth in their care”, he stated

The IT upgrades will allow the operators of the facilities to exist on a shared cloud-based network and address legacy issues, such as dated equipment and slow internet connectivity speeds. The funding will also enable personnel to comply fully with data protection regulations by allowing for secure, paperless management of resident and staff information. Finally, residents will be able to properly access online education and leisure resources without the frustrations of slow or inactive equipment.

The second project will see the conversion of the current workshop at the Bonaventure Boys’ Home into a stand-alone two-bedroom residential home. The add-on facility will accommodate residents who may have challenges with group living, accommodate potential overflow and provide transitional housing to those who have recently become legal adults.

The CAYS Foundation Chairman, Garth Arch thanked the Ministry for their commitment to improving the experience of both residents and staff through this additional funding. “We would like to express sincere thanks to the Ministry, and the wider government for helping to resolve two key issues that impact both our residents and staff. Both projects will enhance the resident experience tremendously and will help us on our mission to empower our residents as they become upstanding members of society. We look forward to forming additional creative and innovative partnerships with private sector entities and community organisations who would like to make a real difference in the lives of the children and young adults in our care as we continue to work towards our renewed vision.”

Ensuring the most vulnerable members of our society are able to access the support and resources they require to succeed is at the forefront of the Ministry’s current priorities. In the coming months, the Ministry will be implementing the Financial Assistance Act, 2022, which will see the Needs Assessment Unit become the Department of Financial Assistance. This comprehensive transition includes the increase in financial assistance to older persons, seafarers, veterans, and those living with disabilities made last week. Further, the Ministry is also undertaking legislative reform on the Children Act (2012 Revision) and the Adoption of Children Act (2021 Revision) to enhance safeguarding provisions for children and ensure international best standards are applied and upheld in our country.

Work on both the IT improvements and workshop renovation project is expected to begin within the next few weeks. For more information on the CAYS Foundation, visit www.cays.org.ky.