CPFSA Received 13,531 Reports in 2023/24

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) received 13,531 reports for the period 2023/24, of which 6,314 were distress calls to the child abuse reporting helpline, 211.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the disclosure during her contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 8).

“I want Jamaicans to be appalled by that number. [I want to] remind members of this honourable House to share with their constituents, the 211 hotline. I implore Jamaicans of all ages to dial 211 when they feel a child is being abused,” Mrs. Williams said.

The 211 hotline was launched in May 2021 during Child Month, exactly three years ago.

It is manned 24 hours by childcare professionals and is a significant addition to the child protection ecosystem.

The CPFSA is governed by the Child Care and Protection Act and provides services to children deemed in need of care and protection by the Courts, those who are awaiting the outcome of a court proceeding, and families having difficulties caring for their children.

Through the National Children’s Registry (NCR), the agency receives child abuse reports and refers them to internal and external parties for action as well as mobilising a national response to the issue of missing children.

Its work also entails the investigation of child abuse reports and the provision of needs-based intervention for these children and their families.