The Division of Human Services is addressing concerns recently leveled towards the department. In particular, the organization Raise Your Voice, has called upon the department to provide a response about how a juvenile female ended up giving birth while incarcerated by the state. The department says the Juvenile in question is currently 17 years of age and not 16 years as was indicated by Raise Your Voice. According to the Laws of Saint Lucia- anyone who commits an offence and is 16 years and older, is liable for incarceration at the Bordelais Correctional Facility. The Division of Human Services says it was no longer responsible for the teen at the time of her most recent charge of Intentionally Causing Harm. The department says it tried to reach out to the teen during her arrest. She was housed at the women’s shelter but after just about a month; the department says her behavior became very alarming. Workers say as professionals they can only advocate and facilitate. Ultimately, they say, it is the power of individual choice that decides the path each person takes and, says guidance and assistance cannot replace willpower and self-control.
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