KINGSTON, Jamaica – With the national focus being placed on children during Child Month, acting chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Michelle McIntosh Harvey, is expressing deep concern about the safety of the nation’s children in light of the child abuse trends in Jamaica.

She stressed that annually, the Agency’s National Children’s Registry (NCR) receives roughly 12000 reports of child abuse in all forms, which are dealt with in the best interest of children in need of care and protection.

However, in 2022, a total of 15,068 reports of child abuse were brought to the attention of the Agency, which is the highest ever recorded over 10 years and is of grave worry.

McIntosh Harvey said regrettably, since the start of the year, approximately 4,279 reports were made to the Registry with behavioural issues, neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse ranking the highest.

“These abuses against our children must stop. Enough is Enough. We are disheartened because our children continue to be victims of child abuse in all forms, and are not given the privilege to enjoy their childhood which is their right,” she said.

She stressed that there is simply no justification for the atrocities which are committed against our children.

“There is no excuse for failing to act as an adult in protecting our children. So, I am encouraging all Jamaicans, every man, woman, aunt, uncle, grandparents, cousins, neighbour and friend to exercise greater effort in protecting our most vulnerable, as their safety is top priority”, the acting CEO said.

McIntosh Harvey added that the Agency remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children through its programmes and services as well as public education. This is hoped to galvanise a greater call to action for the protection of our children, as they are depending on us to keep them safe.

She further added that while national attention is being placed on children during Child Month to highlight their efforts, emphasis should also be placed on connecting with them holistically beyond the month, as many are suffering in silence and are in need of help.

The Agency said it is currently undertaking several planned activities targeting children in state care and the wider community, with an emphasis on child protection and child rights. They include community outreach initiatives, school tours, parenting workshops, youth forums, empowerment sessions, as well as edutainment experiences.

Special focus will be placed on CPFSA’s Missing Children’s Youth Form, happening on May 25, at the Altamont Court Hotel, commencing at 9:00 am. This forum targets children 13 to 16 years, and is intended to develop youth-centred solutions to addressing the missing children crisis in Jamaica. Several stakeholders will also be in attendance.

Attention is also being mirrored on the Agency’s ongoing island-wide Child Protection School Hop Tour and Children’s Home Outreach, aimed at educating children about child protection and their rights. The initiative includes officers from the agency, accompanied by the child protection mascot ‘Mr Protector’ visiting schools and residential child care facilities, interacting with children, and also promoting the 211, 24-hour toll-free child abuse reporting hotline.

On Friday, May 19, the Agency will also observe Child Management Day. This initiative exposes children to different job portfolios in residential childcare facilities, CPFSA offices and other participating organisations.

Other regional events are being held throughout the month, as well as media opportunities to amplify awareness about child abuse, child rights and child protection.

McIntosh Harvey is, however, imploring parents and guardians to reserve a little more time than usual during the month and get involved, in their children’s lives, at home, school and in their communities.

She shared tips that include talking with children, listening to their concerns, embracing them, interacting with them through play and other age-appropriate ways, learning who their friends are and their whereabouts at all times, as well as being cognisant of what activities they are engaged in (monitoring their internet use and social deeds), and motivate and guide them positively, as they need our love and support.

The CPFSA also said parents, guardians, caregivers and teachers are also being asked to integrate the National Child Month Committee’s (NCMC) calendar of activities in their daily routines as they engage children throughout the month.

The calendar of activities can be accessed on the NCMC’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/ncmcja/ or (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook) @cpfsajm.