The child is no longer at the house of reputed spiritual healer Patricia Alves, who has been detained by police since the body of Kamille Seenauth, 31, was found last Friday morning in a shallow grave in Alves' yard in Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Human Resources and Social Security Minister, Ms. Bibi Shadick yesterday afternoon told the Chronicle the girl is now in the home of a woman well-known to her (Engozi).

Officers of her ministry who visited the home more than once, are quite satisfied that she is "comfortable (and in) good hands", the minister said.

"In fact, they both seem to know each other very well, I am advised by my officers," Shadick said with an air of relief.

She said that on Tuesday, the woman who volunteered her name and address, visited her ministry accompanied by the girl. They were both interviewed by Welfare Officers, out of which it was learnt that the woman had earlier visited the home in Alberttown where she found the child abandoned, she said.

An aunt who visited the child at the house Saturday said she was afraid of the place and hoped that she would have been removed and put in a home.

Engozi was frightened, tearful, confused, and up until then, it appeared that no one had wanted to take her into their home or do anything for her, even though she was badly traumatised, suffering physically and needed comfort, to say the least.

At that time, it was the common feeling by some relatives and others who could have done anything to help that she had 'jumbies' (spirits) on her and they needed to stay clear.

According to a senior Welfare Officer, Engozi was very happy to see the elderly woman (in her late 50s or early 60s), held on to her and immediately elected to go with her.

But out of caution, and apparently acting on sound advice received, she saw the need to apprise the ministry about her intentions of taking the child into custody and safe keeping, officials said.

Subsequently, a Probation Officer visited the woman's home, made an inspection and commenced counselling the child.

According to ministry officials, the woman in whose care Engozi now is, has a well adjusted home, is a mother of several adult persons, including a very prominent female in society.

The ministry has been since providing clothing, drugs for her wounds and rendering whatever help possible. "And we're happy to say that she looks much more relaxed," the officer said.

But shortly after mid-afternoon yesterday, Shadick said a man, who claims he is Engozi's step-father turned up at the office with an affidavit, laying a claim to the child and requesting that she be handed over to him.

But a senior official of the ministry said she wished to make it very clear that the department does not have the authority to "award custody" of a child to any parent or guardian.

"That is left to the courts. What we have to do is intervene to stop abuse of the child; to pay attention in especially difficult circumstances, or if the child is at risk - as in cases of ill health where they need to be taken to hospital", she explained.

The officer outlined that the arrangement in place in relation to Engozi is temporary and designed to bring relief to her plight.

"In this case, we are intervening to stop abuse," she stated.

She said that if the stepfather wants the child he is free to apply for custody.

However, it was learnt that the child has already indicated that she is happy where she is.

Meanwhile, Welfare Officers of the ministry said they were aware that the head of another professional agency, who a few days ago visited the Alves' house, was saying that she wants the child to be handed over to her.

However, the officers wished to make it clear that the agency, though concerned with school children, "does not have the authority" to take Engozi. This would be further compounding a situation that is being favourably resolved, they said.

The official said many people may now feel that they have a claim to the child, but added, "they should approach the courts."

Welfare Officers at the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Security note that they run a very professional entity; are sworn to confidentiality; and cannot do anything to put children at risk.

Without seeking to attract public attention, they will continue to execute their task professionally, efficiently, and in the best interest of the children, they said.