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Jamaicans Encouraged to Host Wards of the State for Christmas

By: , December 8, 2017

The Key Point:

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), formerly the Child Development Agency (CDA), is again appealing to Jamaicans to participate in its annual ‘Take a Child Home for Christmas’ programme.

The Facts

  • Speaking with JIS News, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, at the CPFSA, Rochelle Dixon, said the programme was originally created for families with children in State care and who are unable to accommodate them full-time, but are encouraged to take them home for Christmas.
  • Persons who are interested in participating in the programme are being asked to fill out an application form. They are also required to provide two references from a Notary Public, such as a police officer, a justice of the peace or a school principal; provide two passport-size photographs, a valid identification and must be 25 years or older.

The Full Story

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), formerly the Child Development Agency (CDA), is again appealing to Jamaicans to participate in its annual ‘Take a Child Home for Christmas’ programme.

The programme, which started 10 years ago, allows persons to open their hearts and homes to wards of the State during the festive season.

Speaking with JIS News, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, at the CPFSA, Rochelle Dixon, said the programme was originally created for families with children in State care and who are unable to accommodate them full-time, but are encouraged to take them home for Christmas.

However, over time, it was extended to persons with good moral standing, for example, persons who have volunteered in childcare facilities and would be in the agency’s volunteer database.

Persons who are interested in participating in the programme are being asked to fill out an application form. They are also required to provide two references from a Notary Public, such as a police officer, a justice of the peace or a school principal; provide two passport-size photographs, a valid identification and must be 25 years or older.

According to Miss Dixon, a background check is done on the applicants as well as a home assessment to see the physical accommodation and amenities. If the requirements are met, the applicant is then paired with a child, who they may host for a day or the entire holiday period.

“I am pleading to Jamaicans to open their homes this Christmas to a child who is really excited (about) joining a family and sharing in the experience of love, joy and peace during this time of the year,” she said For further information about the programme, persons may visit any of the CPFSA offices across the island, telephone 948-2841-2, or send an email to info@cda.gov.jm. The deadline for submission of application is December 15.

Last Updated: December 7, 2017

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