A contentious child welfare case in Belize has sparked a familial challenge against state authorities after three young sisters—aged four, six, and eight—were removed from their home and placed in institutional care. The children’s aunt, Deyanie Staine, has publicly criticized the system for failing to prioritize family placement, asserting that capable relatives were never given consideration as alternative caregivers.
The situation developed following the passing of the girls’ grandmother last year, with whom they had been residing. This forced the children to return to a previous living environment that subsequently drew concerns from child services. Rather than exploring kinship care options, authorities transferred the sisters directly to a state facility, a decision Staine characterizes as fundamentally flawed.
Currently residing in the United States, Staine highlights stark contrasts between American and Belizean child welfare protocols, noting that U.S. systems typically mandate family consideration before institutional placement. She describes the Belizean approach as “twisted,” emphasizing the psychological impact on children who perceive removal as punishment rather than protection.
The aunt further detailed systemic frustrations, including restricted visitation rights and information barriers. Despite her sister (the children’s mother) being granted supervised visitation, the family has received no information about the girls’ whereabouts for two weeks following removal. Staine also reported being excluded from court proceedings, though physically present and willing to petition for custody.
Following public advocacy through social media channels, Staine has initiated legal proceedings to transfer the children from state care to family guardianship. Her case underscores broader debates about child welfare practices, cultural considerations in kinship care, and governmental transparency in custodial decisions.