GOJ Provides Help for At-Risk Youth

Crimes committed in Jamaica are not limited to adult perpetrators as in some cases, persons under the age of 18 face criminal charges. In response, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) developed a National Plan of Action for Child Justice in 2010.

National Child Diversion Programme

As part of the National Plan of Action, the National Child Diversion Programme (NCDP) was implemented in April 2020. This programme focuses on rehabilitating minor offenders and reintegrating them as law-abiding citizens in society.

The measures utilised in the rehabilitation process include:

• Oral or written apologies
• Mentorship
• Change of association with former friends or places
• Training at a vocational or educational institution
• Counselling sessions
• Community service

Eligibility

The accused minor must be between the ages of 12 and 17 and accept responsibility for the offence in order to be considered for the programme. The child will also qualify if the offences listed below were committed.

• Indecent assault
• Unlawful wounding
• Negligent use of fire
• Damage to property

The signed consent of the accused child’s guardian/parent or their attorney and the victim of the crime or the victim’s guardian/parent must also be obtained. If the offender has already received more than two cautions from the police or was previously issued a formal warning, they will be ineligible for the programme.

Access

Referral to the National Child Diversion Programme is done by the police or at the discretion of the judge. Once approved for the programme, the minor’s case is referred to a parish child diversion officer who does a risk assessment then develops and implements an approved treatment plan. Upon successful completion of the programme, the offender’s case is dismissed.

For additional information contact:

The Ministry of Justice
61 Constant Spring Road
Kingston 10
Tel: 876-906-4923-31
Email: childdiversion@moj.gov.jm
Website: https://moj.gov.jm
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