Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Government remains committed to providing “comprehensive” support to Jamaica’s children, to facilitate and safeguard their development and welfare. Addressing the recent digital launch of the SafeSpot National Child and Teen Helpline, Mrs. Williams said the Administration, through the Ministry, will continue to collaborate with local and international partners to...

Paediatric Consultant, Bustamante Hospital for Children, Dr. Natalie McNeil-Beecher, shows an illustration in a children’s book during a reading session with children at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, in Kingston, on May 19. The event was organised by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), as part of activities to celebrate Child Month 2021.

Detective Sergeant of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Vice Squad, Kevin Strachan, is appealing to parents and guardians to “keep a keen eye” on their children in order to protect them from becoming victims of human trafficking. He made the call as he participated in a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Friends across Borders Jamaica on Tuesday (May 18)...

 

Psychological support and therapeutic intervention offered to children who have undergone severe emotional trauma is expected to be boosted with the construction of the Therapeutic Treatment Centre, in St. Andrew, for the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). Cabinet has given approval for a $117-million contract to Alfrasure Structures and Roofing Limited for the undertaking. Minister of Education, Youth...

A 24-hour dedicated helpline has been established to assist children and teenagers experiencing challenges or who may be feeling overwhelmed with adapting to changes caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The facility, the Safe Spot National Child and Teen Helpline, is a multisectoral initiative involving the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica Office,...

The National Children’s Registry (NCR) is reporting that fewer reports of child abuse have been recorded during the COVID-19 period, when compared to the prior years. Before 2020, there were, on average, 1,200 reports of child abuse per month, while in 2020 and 2021 there have been between 800 and 900 reports per month. Approximately 90,000 reports of child abuse...