7-y-o found with submachine gun now with the CPFSA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The seven-year-old boy who was found in possession of a submachine gun at a St Elizabeth school on Thursday is now in the care of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).
His siblings are also in the care of the agency following yesterday’s shocking disclosure by the Jamaica Constabulary Force that the gun was seized at a school in the parish.
READ: 7-y-o student found with submachine gun at St Elizabeth school
“Any child who has open access to a firearm, or moreover is found with one in their possession has had their well-being jeopardised, and is considered to be in need of protection,” said CPFSA Chief Executive Officer, Laurette Adams-Thomas while commenting on the incident.
“As soon as this incident was brought to our attention, we launched our first responders’ team to the location to ensure that the well-being of the child as well as the other children in the home were safeguarded,” she continued.
Adams-Thomas said the children will receive the necessary counselling and psychosocial support.
She is also reminding parents of their responsibility to ensure that their children do not have access to dangerous or illegal items, and to check their schools bags regularly to further ensure that they are not carrying these items with them to school.
“It is imperative that parents be more vigilant about checking their children’s bags before they go to school, to prevent them from taking dangerous or inappropriate items with them, be it weapons, pornographic materials or drug-related items. These things do not only put your child at risk, but can also endanger the lives of other children and teachers at the school,” Adams-Thomas said.
She is further encouraging individuals to report any and all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. Child abuse reports may also be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, as well as through social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.
