The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is intensifying efforts to rehabilitate vulnerable youth in Guyana through the CUTE Programme, a new initiative developed by the ministry’s Probation Department to promote behavioral change and reduce recidivism.
The programme was highlighted by Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud during an appearance on The Starting Point Podcast, where she explained how it forms part of a broader strategy to support at-risk youth and their families.
Minister Persaud said the initiative builds on a nationwide review of existing social programmes, which identified gaps and areas where tangible improvements could be made for vulnerable populations.
“We looked comprehensively at the country and at the ministry, and where we were in terms of programs that would impact tangibly on vulnerable populations,” she said. “It is something that I looked at immediately when I got into the Ministry… where we have measurable indicators of what we were able to achieve.”
The CUTE Programme focuses on early intervention, equipping probation officers with specialized training to engage youth empathetically while promoting accountability and positive behavior through community-based approaches.
“It is not just here. It is tailored for the community, here where we train people, and here where we monitor and assess them as well, so they have to meet standards,” Minister Persaud explained, highlighting that the programme is designed to meet the unique needs of each community.
By integrating family involvement and local partnerships, the initiative aims to create a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of juvenile delinquency
