The document establishes and outlines the functions of the National Committee for Families and Children in Belize. The Committee consists of senior representatives from various government ministries and organizations involved in social services, education, health, law, and children's issues. It aims to promote and monitor the implementation of children's rights conventions and goals, ensure standards of child protection are upheld, recommend policies to support families and children, and facilitate coordination between organizations providing services. The Ministry oversees the Committee's work and implements its recommendations.

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Chapter 173 of the Laws of Belize Attachment 6.1
STATUTORY INSTRUMENT
PART XII of the Families and Children Act
Chapter 173 of the Laws of Belize
Establishment, Functions and Terms of Reference
Of the National Committee for Families and Children
148. (1) There is established a body to be known as the National Committee for Families and Children
(hereinafter referred to as the “Committee), consisting of the Executive Director of the Committee who
shall be an ex officio member without the right to vote, and one senior representative, appointed by the
Minister from each of the following entities
a) the Ministry with responsibility for Social Services;
b) the Ministry with responsibility for Education;
c) the Ministry with responsibility for Health;
d) the Ministry with responsibility for Labour;
e) the Attorney General’s Ministry;
f) a Non-Governmental Organization principally concerned with child protection or
child abuse prevention services;
g) a Non-Governmental Organization principally concerned with issues affecting
children at risk;
h) an International Donor Agency principally concerned with the welfare of families
and children;
i) the Council of Churches;
j) the Judiciary;
k) the National Women’s Commission;
l) the Statistical Institute of Belize;
m) The Belize Police Department; and
n) A Non-Governmental Organization principally concerned with the welfare of
families and children, chosen on a rotative basis, from among the Belize Family Life
Association, the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Young Men’s Christian
Association, the Girl Guides’ Association of Belize, or the Scouts’ Association of
Belize.
(2) The term of office for members of the Committee appointed under subsection (1) above shall
be for a period of two years in the first instance, but each member shall be eligible for reappointment.

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(3) The Minster, or suitably qualified person designated by the Minister in that behalf shall be the
Chairperson of the Committee.
149. The Functions and terms of reference of the Committee shall be as follows:-
(a) Promoting, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Convention of the Rights of
the Child, and ensuring that the Government meets its national and international obligations as
party to the Convention;
(b) Promoting, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the goals reached at world
summits on families’ and children’s issues through national development plans for children and
adolescents;
(c) Promoting meaningful consultations, public awareness and education on national issues
affecting families and children;
(d) Ensuring that the various institutions, communities and homes in Belize apply the standards of
protection and care of children set out in the Act and regulations made hereunder in the
Convention on the Rights of the Child within their institutional, community or family setting;
(e) Recommending and advocating to, and at different levels and institutions of, the Belizean
society for:-
(i) polices for the care, protection and maintenance of families and children in Belize;
(ii)the contribution of resources from the international community and local private
sector.
(f) Facilitating effective and efficient planning and coordination of efforts among and between
governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, service clubs, churches, and other
organizations involved in the provision of services for families and children.
150. The Ministry shall oversee the work of the Committee and take such actions as is considered to
implement its recommendations.