Cynthia Filemon

I bring 30 years of experience in leadership, project management, and the judicial sector, with a focus on sustainable improvements, strategic planning, and human capital development. My expertise includes restorative justice, probation, prison services, child protection, foster care, victim support, youth care, behavioral interventions, and recidivism prevention. I am guided by core values of Integrity, Responsibility, Loyalty, Reliability, Perseverance, Flexibility, Empathy, and Collaboration. As a collaborative leader, I foster an engaged and empowering work culture by partnering with colleagues. I have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Implementation and coordination of the Electronic Monitoring Program for Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius.
• Development and implementation of various rehabilitation, vocational, and reintegration programs in Suriname and Sint Maarten for youth and adult delinquents and detainees.
• Establishment of youth correctional and detention facilities, including the Miss Lalie Center in Sint Maarten and the Opa Doeli Youth Holding Center in Suriname.
• Development and establishment of the Foster Care Central and Youth Residential Home in Sint Maarten.
• Introduction of Mediation in Criminal Cases and Domestic Violence program on St. Maarten.

• 2014, Acting Director, Judicial & Institutional Services Foundation (J&IS), Sint Maarten, Lead strategic and operational management for Adult Probation, Family Guardianship, Foster Care Central, and Youth Residential Home. Oversee rehabilitation programs for adults on probation and the protection of vulnerable youth. Ensure compliance with regulations, maintain service quality, and spearhead improvement initiatives. Foster partnerships with judicial, social, and community stakeholders. Support staff development and contribute to long-term policy planning.
• 2010, Policy Advisor, Foundation Judicial Institutions St. Maarten (SJIS), Sint Maarten, Developed and advised on policies related to probation, child guardianship, and foster care. Coordinated policy implementation and evaluation across departments. Worked closely with judicial and social institutions to enhance program effectiveness.
• 2005, Project Coordinator, Foundation Judicial Institutions Windward Islands (SJIB), Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, Managed cross-departmental projects including Adult and Juvenile Probation, Family Guardianship, and Foster Care. Monitored project timelines, budgets, and outcomes, ensuring timely completion. Collaborated with external partners to enhance program delivery.
• 2002, Head of Department Youth Probation, Ministry of Justice, Suriname, Led rehabilitation programs for juveniles in detention, focusing on reintegration and skill-building. Oversaw legal compliance in juvenile correctional programs and managed the Youth Correctional Facility (JOG). Collaborated with judicial and youth care institutions to provide holistic support.
• 2000, Coordinator, Adult Probation, Ministry of Justice, Suriname, Supervised probation officers and coordinated prison social work services. Monitored detainees’ compliance with conditional release terms and facilitated their reintegration.
• 1999, Instructor, Penitentiary Officer Academy, Suriname, Taught introductory courses in Social Psychology and Agogy to penitentiary officers. Designed course materials and evaluated students on core concepts.
• 1994, Social Worker/Probation Officer, Ministry of Justice, Suriname, Conducted assessments and prepared advisory reports for the court and Prosecutor's Office. Provided prison social work services and supervised detainees’ compliance with conditional release.

1994 - 2009, Pastoral work, elderly care, youth residential care, youth work, probation, and prison work