16/07/2026
The Community Rehabilitation Department (CRD), under the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, in collaboration with UNDP Belize, successfully hosted the Validation Session for the revised National Diversion Program Protocols, building on the Multisectoral Stakeholder Consultation held in May 2026.
The validation session brought together representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement (Belize Police Department), local government, education, civil society, and child-serving agencies, including the Chief Magistrate, the Director of Family Court, the Deputy Commander of the Community Policing Unit, Community Rehabilitation Officers, Belize City Council, the Department of Youth Services, the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), the Belize Mental Health Association, the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), the National Children's Parliament of Belize, Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), educators, including University of Belize, and other valued partners.
Participants reviewed and validated the revised National Diversion Program Protocols, offering valuable recommendations to ensure the program remains practical, child-centred, and responsive to the needs of children and young persons who come into contact with the justice system. The session reinforced the importance of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to diversion, recognizing that meaningful outcomes for children are achieved through strong partnerships across the justice, social services, education, and community sectors.
This validation marks another important milestone in strengthening Belize's National Diversion Program and reaffirms our collective commitment to providing children and young persons with opportunities for accountability, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration.
The Community Rehabilitation Department sincerely thanks all participants for their invaluable contributions and continued commitment to advancing diversion in Belize. Together, we are helping to create a more responsive, child-friendly justice system that empowers young people to make positive changes and build brighter futures.
