KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Organisations and individuals wishing to contribute to children’s homes will soon be able to know their needs and the services they offer by looking at the institutions’ profiles.

The profiles are being created by the Public Relations Department of the Child Development Agency (CDA).

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDA, Rosalee Gage-Grey, told JIS News that the CDA is creating profiles for more than 50 homes.

“We are a little behind, but we have visited most of them and so by early next year we should have all the profiles completed,” she said.

Gage-Grey explained that the profiles will indicate the history of the homes, their needs and whether they are catering for babies, adolescents or children with special needs.

“We will capture all of that information, including the rich history of the homes and the traditions they are known for,” she added.

The CEO said the profiles will also help with the promotion of the homes, noting that persons will have better knowledge of the facilities in the event that they want “to sponsor a home, adopt a home or make regular contributions to them”.

“Government does not have all the funds to effectively treat with the needs that the children have and to provide all the things that the children need in those circumstances. We are creating profiles so they can help with the public education and promotion of the homes,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Gage-Grey said a special awards function and dinner will be held in December to honour the contributions made by homes in Jamaica.&

“We value the work that they do and this is our way of saying thanks for all the years they have contributed – both the homes and the staff that work in them,” she said.

The CEO noted that the focus will be on those homes that have served for longer periods.