The number of Bermudian children who require overseas support has doubled in the past year, the Department of Child and Family Services revealed.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said the department reported 16 children who needed overseas treatment for complex mental, behavioural or educational needs in 2025, compared with eight in 2024.

She said these figures are available every year through the Government’s budget debate.

A spokeswoman said cases involve “levels of risk and complexity that require specialised intervention that cannot be provided locally, to protect the child and, in some cases, others”.

Ms Furbert said these decisions are made “based on professional assessment, with the child’s safety, wellbeing and dignity being paramount”.

She added: “Overseas therapeutic services are used only when a child’s needs cannot be met here at home, and when delaying care would place that child or others at risk.”

The spokeswoman said: “As diagnostic tools improve and earlier intervention becomes more common, more children with complex needs are being identified.

“Referrals to DCFS come through established processes involving Child and Adolescent Services, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Health and the courts, and are managed through professional oversight.”

Treatment in overseas facilities, chosen for “specific clinical, behaviour and structural expertise”, may include constant supervision and specialised therapy and education.

The spokeswoman said: “This reflects the seriousness of the child’s condition and the risks involved if appropriate care is not provided.”

The comments came after the Government submitted a request for proposals for a comprehensive assessment and plan for childcare facilities operated by the DCFS.

The notice said the project aims to determine “whether the existing infrastructure can support modern residential childcare operations and to determine the most appropriate strategy, whether renovation, expansion or complete redevelopment, is now necessary.”

None of the four DCFS facilities, which together were said to have reached their capacity of 24 children, are able to meet the needs of those aged between 5 and 11.

The spokeswoman concluded: “The Government continues to strengthen local mental health, therapeutic and educational supports through sustained, cross-ministry work and long-term capacity building.

“Strengthening local capacity remains a priority, with the long-term aim of reducing the need for overseas placements wherever possible.

“When local options cannot safely meet a child’s needs, the Government must act.”

Parties interested in the RFP must participate in a pre-bid meeting today, while the deadline for submissions is 3pm on February 26.