Legislation Being Strengthened to Protect Children

Come next Tuesday (July 4), Parliament is to debate repeal of Section 24 of the Child Care and Protection Act, which will, once passed, disallow judges to lock up children in penal institutions without charge.

The additional layer of protection for children was discussed by Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, on Wednesday (June 28).

She outlined that currently, Section 24 gives the court the power to make a correctional order for children brought before it by a parent or guardian who feels the child is uncontrollable.

“As soon as the law is passed, it will stop using the term ‘uncontrollable’ and instead use the term ‘behavioural issues’ and make provision for the Orders that may be made by the court in respect of such a child to include a residential therapeutic order or a non-residential therapeutic order, having regard to the results of a social inquiry report, and a psychological or psychiatric report in respect of the child ordered by the court,” the Minister informed.

Notably, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, officially opened a non-residential therapeutic centre at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in St Andrew, today (June 29).

Furthermore, once the law is passed it will also provide that a children’s court before which any child is brought under part one of the Act, other than a child alleged to have committed an offence, may order that the child be placed under the care of a children’s officer for a specified period not exceeding three years, instead of a probation and aftercare officer, as currently obtains under the Act.

According to Mrs. Williams, the repeal of section 24 (2) will also enable Jamaica to become compliant with its obligations under notable international treaties on child justice and child rights and establish a fairer and more equitable means of treating with cases involving children exhibiting behavioural challenges.

“However, beyond simply being compliant, by repealing section 24 of the Childcare and Protection Act, Jamaica signals its continued commitment for promoting the best interests of the child,” the Minister said.