AS the new school term begins, acting chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Michelle McIntosh Harvey is strongly appealing to parents, guardians, teachers, and the general public to exercise greater vigilance in protecting the nation’s children.

Referring to the issue of child abuse, the agency’s head said that during the summer break most children are often within the confines of their homes and are sometimes subjected to different forms of abuse or violence in their communities.

She is however urging all citizens who come in contact with children — whether on their way to or from school, on the playground, or in the classroom — to be observant and responsive to behaviour changes and other possible signs that a child needs help, and to act accordingly in keeping with the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA).

“We continue to see children within our school and protective systems exhibiting varying behaviours, from mild to severe, which can be associated with abuse suffered — whether verbally, sexually, physically or otherwise,” McIntosh Harvey said.

She is urging parents and guardians to seek help, if needed, from the CPFSA or the schools that their children attend as many times certain negative behaviours in children that are ignored can later worsen.

“The agency is available and equipped to offer the necessary support through our Children and Family Support Unit (CFSU) that provides counselling and other assistance, pertinent to varying needs of vulnerable children and families.”

The acting CEO is also pleading with parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers and others, to be patient with our children, ensuring that their needs are met at the highest level.

“We are aware that parenting or caring for children in general requires patience, sacrifices and dedication. We are imploring you to continue investing in our children’s future as their prospective outcomes heavily rests in your hands,” McIntosh Harvey said.

Highlighting the role of the CPFSA, McIntosh Harvey said the agency has responsibility for the care and protection of children in Jamaica from birth to 18 years, and is mandated to provide the requisite assistance to improve their lives.

She shared the following safety tips as school reopens:

Safety tips for parents:

1. Teach your children about how to build and maintain healthy relationships with other children.

2. Teach your children about conflict resolution.

3. Teach your children safety practices as they travel to and from school or otherwise.

4. If possible, accompany your child or children to school and otherwise.

5. Arrange reliable pick-up and drop-off arrangements for your child with responsible friends or family members.

6. Have regular conversations with your children about how to safeguard themselves inside and outside of the home.

7. Teach your children about road safety, which involves proper road usage of pedestrian crossings, walking in groups, staying alert; and the avoidance of playing on roads, loitering, as well as travelling on lonely paths.

8. Monitor and limit your child’s gadget and Internet use so that they can be more focused on their studies.

9. Talk with your children and take time to listen to their concerns.

10. Be observant of your child to be able to detect changes in behaviour.

Safety tips for children:

1. Do not loiter on the streets.

2. Avoid walking with visible gadgets or monies.

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

4. Avoid walking on lonely paths (shortcuts, etc).

5. Let your parents / guardians and caregivers know your whereabouts at all times.

6. Choose your friends wisely, as not all friendships are positive.

Reports of known/suspected cases of child abuse can be made by calling 211; CPFSA’s 24-hour, toll-free, child protection hotline, WhatsApp or text line at 876-878-2882; or by e-mailing: report@childprotection.gov.jm.