By Sarah Forrest | Board of Directors
In January 2025, a surge in gang recruitment efforts targeting street children prompted a swift and coordinated response from Haitian Social Services (IBESR) in the south. Gangs near Port-au-Prince were expanding their reach into the southern regions and countryside, specifically seeking vulnerable children. In response, IBESR called upon LFBS, to intervene and prevent further exploitation.
Within less than 24 hours, LFBS mobilized all street children in Les Cayes, successfully assisting IBESR in carrying out a comprehensive intervention. The LFBS team engaged the children in psychosocial activities aimed at supporting their emotional well-being, while also facilitating dialogues with them to assess their needs and vulnerabilities and to work toward reunification with their families.
As of now, LFBS continues to support the families of these children, providing ongoing assistance to ensure the long-term safety and stability of these vulnerable families. Currently, there are 8 street children under LFBS’s temporary care. One child has already been successfully reunited with their family, and the remaining children are actively being supported in the process of reunification.
Access to medical care is extremely impacted by the ongoing economic turmoil and civil unrest. Haiti has seen a significant increase in population displacement, particularly from Port-au-Prince to the countryside, which has placed tremendous strain on already overburdened medical services. Compounding this, the closure of airports and roads blocked by gangs have greatly limited access to medical goods and services, making transportation and nutrition crucial challenges for many vulnerable families.
LFBS has been at the forefront of responding to this crisis. One powerful example is the case of a 17-year-old internally displaced girl from the Grand'Anse region. A teen mother of a 2-year-old, she was referred to LFBS by social services after suffering from acute appendicitis. Despite being in extreme pain, she was asked to leave the hospital because she could not afford her care. IBESR intervened, advocating for surgery on credit, and called upon LFBS to cover the medical costs and ensure her recovery.
Additionally, LFBS is providing critical support to a vulnerable baby whose mother is in prison and who is living with HIV. Referred to LFBS by social services from a different region, the child is currently in a foster family. LFBS has been covering the child’s ongoing medical care, ensuring that their needs are met despite the dire circumstances.
These medical interventions, along with LFBS’s ongoing work with families and vulnerable children, are vital in this time of crisis. We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors, whose contributions make it possible for us to provide lifesaving care and assistance. Your continued support enables us to respond to the evolving challenges in Haiti and ensure that vulnerable families and children have the care and protection they deserve.
By Sarah Forrest | Board of Directors
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