Maxfield Park Children’s Home To Be Transformed
By: , May 21, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- As part of efforts to transform the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, the institution’s Board has already identified a number of initiatives “which can be implemented immediately.”
- While the home is designed to accommodate over 170 children, there are currently only 83 youngsters resident at the facility as a result of challenges.
The Full Story
The Board of the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston is to consult with the Attorney General’s office to review the facility’s legal status, to determine how it can become an incorporated Government institution.
This consultation forms part of the several undertakings, which Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says must be addressed as part of initiatives by the Board to transform Maxfield Park into a model children’s home, and to create a “template” for the transformation of other institutions over time.
The Minister made the disclosure during her 2014/15 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on May 20, under the theme: ‘Not Leaving It To Chance’.
Ms. Hanna said as part of efforts to transform the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, the institution’s Board has already identified a number of initiatives “which can be implemented immediately.”
These, the Minister outlined, include: development of the institution’s infrastructure, inclusive of building new dormitories; introducing appropriate mentoring and spiritual programmes for the children; as well as reviewing the facility’s overall structure and operations.
“I am pleased to say that they have tapped into the generosity and goodwill of a number of public and private sector partners,” she said.
Ms. Hanna said while the Maxfield Park Children’s Home brand is strong, and has attracted “significant” contributions from companies and individuals, “it is the Government that ensures that the facility stays open.”
She pointed out that while the home is designed to accommodate over 170 children, there are currently only 83 youngsters resident at the facility as a result of challenges. “We believe Maxfield can, and should become the standard for child care institutions,” the Minister argued.
Maxfield Park Children’s Home is one of 59 residential care institutions for children currently in operation, of which 50 are owned and operated by private interests, including faith-based organizations, with significant sponsorship from the Government.
The other nine institutions are operated by the Government, through the Child Development Agency (CDA).