KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the start of another school year underway, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey is reminding parents, guardians and caregivers of their duty to protect their children in keeping with the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA), 2004. 

She said that over the years, there is a noticeable trend for parents to accompany children to school during the first few weeks in the school year which gradually tapers down throughout.

“While we understand the many responsibilities and demands of parenting, in particular for those employed; we encourage that appropriate arrangements are made to ensure the safety of children at all times,” Gage-Grey said in a release today.

She stressed that the issue of parental neglect is of grave concern, and is a contributing factor to the number of children reported missing.

Statistics from our National Children’s Registry (NCR) indicated that during the period of January to June this year, 813 reports of missing children were made. Of that number, 75 per cent of the children reported missing were females.

The data also revealed that approximately eight out of every 10 children reported missing in the period have since been found and returned home.

Referring to the recent spate of violence against the nation’s children, Gage-Grey is encouraging for greater vigilance for them during this time and shares the following safety tips.

To parents:

1. Accompany your child(ren) continuously to school; which is a form of bonding.

2. Arrange reliable pick up and drop off arrangements with friends or families.

3. Engage your child(ren) in discussions about child abuse and explain how to identify signs of abuse

4. Teach your child about road safety when travelling from school, which involves proper road usage of pedestrian crossings, walking in groups; staying alert and avoid playing on roads, loitering, as well as lonely paths.

5. Monitor and limit your child’s social and internet use so that they can be more focused on their studies.

To our children:

1. Do not talk to strangers

2. Avoid walking with gadgets or money exposed

3. Walk in groups if you have to walk to and from home or school

4. Do not walk on lonely paths

5. Let your parents know your whereabouts at all times

6. If you are being bullied, report it to your parents, teacher, school principal or guidance counselor.

7. If your classmate shows signs of abuse, report it to your teacher or guidance counselor or call 1-888—PROTECT (1-888- 76-8328).