KINGSTON, Jamaica – Parents and guardians are being encouraged to consider the Child Diversion Programme for their children who come into conflict with the law.

According to a release on Monday, the programme is designed to steer child offenders away from the criminal justice system and is being implemented by the Ministry of Justice. It is expected to cater to children 12 to 17 years old who are suspected or accused of committing an offence.

In the release, director of the Ministry’s Child Diversion Branch, Venisa Clarke, said that while many Jamaicans are acclimatised to more punitive forms of justice, certain matters involving children should be given a different approach.

“Justice looks different for everyone, and the programme seeks to provide children with an opportunity to accept the responsibility for what they have done but not be criminalised for it for the rest of their lives. If they make one mistake, it doesn’t mean that for the rest of their lives, they have to be reminded about this mistake. We know that children will be children and they will make mistakes, so I want parents to know that this is an option for them,” Clarke said.

She further indicated that if a child is remanded at a police station or sent before a court, parents and guardians can ask if the matter is one that may be considered for Child Diversion. Once referred, one of the 14 offices of the Child Diversion Branch will provide the necessary interventions, including mentorship free of cost.

Clarke also noted that the programme, which started in March 2020, is the first of its kind in Jamaica.

She said that while it will take some time for people to fully buy into the intervention, the benefits to the nation’s young people are worth the effort.

“A lot of people tend to think that once it involves the police, that is it; your life is over, and there is all the fear that comes with going before the criminal justice system or facing the court. That will oftentimes deter people from wanting to access Child Diversion because this is new to Jamaica, but I encourage people not to be afraid.

“We are here to assist the young people of Jamaica to make better decisions, so as adults, they will be positive role models for someone else as well,” Clarke said.