The Office of the Ombudsman has launched an investigation into how government agencies handle child safeguarding in the Cayman Islands.
The own-motion investigation began on 4 August after ombudsman Sharon Roulstone received a public complaint alleging professional misconduct by a police officer involved in a child sexual abuse investigation.
The complaint itself was not upheld. However, a review of several Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) case files linked to the initial complaint raised concerns about what the ombudsman’s office described as multiple missed opportunities to safeguard child victims in other RCIPS investigations.
The review also led the ombudsman’s office to examine how child safeguarding responsibilities are handled across agencies.
During its initial assessment, senior police personnel informed the ombudsman’s office about a comprehensive 2024 review of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, or MASH.
That review identified steps to address some of the issues. However, Roulstone said it was not immediately clear to what extent those changes had been implemented.
The new investigation will examine two areas. It will review actions taken by RCIPS, MASH and the Department of Children and Family Services in the cases brought to the Ombudsman’s attention, while also assessing progress on recommendations from the 2024 MASH review.
“There are few issues of greater importance than the protection of children,” Roulstone said in a press release on 7 August.
“Members of the public should be able to have every confidence that child safeguarding in Cayman is handled with the highest levels of professionalism, accountability and care by government entities.
“I cannot think of a better use of my office’s time and resources than ensuring that the policies and practices governing child safeguarding meet the highest possible standards. The public interest in this is beyond question.”
The investigation is being conducted under section 11(1) of the Complaints (Maladministration) Act.
The provision allows the ombudsman to investigate without first receiving a written complaint when there are “reasons of special importance” that make an investigation desirable in the public interest.
Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton and senior management at the Department of Children and Family Services have been informed of the investigation.
Ombudsman investigators also held preliminary discussions with RCIPS officers before the investigation began. Their input will form part of the issues examined.
The ombudsman said findings will be shared with RCIPS, the Department of Children and Family Services and the governor.
The investigation could also result in preliminary recommendations being issued to RCIPS or the department before the final report is completed, at the ombudsman’s discretion.
Once the investigation is complete, its final report and findings will be laid in parliament in accordance with the Complaints (Maladministration) Act.
