Community Rehabilitation Department strengthens diversion and rehabilitation services

By Zoila Palma:  The Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD), under the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, held a staff validation workshop today to review and strengthen a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at enhancing prevention, rehabilitation, court services, aftercare, and programme management across Belize.

The workshop brought together CRD staff, Ministry representatives, technical experts, and development partners to ensure the new procedures reflect international best practices while addressing the practical needs of professionals working with children, youth, families, and communities.

The initiative was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the European Union-funded PACE Justice Programme.

Delivering the keynote address, UNDP Inclusive Growth, Digitization and Governance Team Lead Amilin Mendez emphasized that the exercise was about improving lives rather than simply finalizing a policy document. She said the strengthened procedures would help provide young people who make mistakes with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration, while supporting families and creating safer communities through a more people-centered justice system.

Acting Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department, Ganesha Smith, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting rehabilitation, accountability, and successful reintegration for young people in conflict with the law.

Once finalized, the SOPs will provide standardized guidance for CRD staff nationwide, helping to ensure consistent service delivery and strengthen Belize’s child-sensitive justice system focused on prevention, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes.

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