Dear Editor,

Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reveal a troubling trend: Between 2019 and 2022, 875 major crimes in Jamaica were committed by individuals aged 15 to 17.

In a society plagued by high crime, it’s easy to understand the calls for tough penalties, even for children. But harsh punishment isn’t always justice, and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) believes that a just criminal justice system must recognise the vulnerabilities of children.

With that in mind, we strongly support the Child Diversion Act of 2018 and its establishment of the Child Diversion Programme that came into effect in 2020.

Children are not miniature adults. Jamaica’s Child Diversion Programme recognises that they often act impulsively, fail to grasp the full consequences of their actions, or may fall under the influence and direction of criminal elements. The programme aims to rehabilitate children who come into contact or conflict with the law, helping them take responsibility for their actions while avoiding the potential traumas of the criminal justice system, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 17 years.

Despite its potential, the success of the Child Diversion Programme is limited by one critical factor — public awareness. Many parents, police officers, and even the children who could benefit have little knowledge of the programme’s. This lack of knowledge limits the programme’s reach and impact.

Though the Ministry of Justice’s recent outreach efforts are commendable, public education campaigns need to be more robust and widespread. Awareness isn’t just about flyers or press releases; it’s about engaging communities, holding discussions, and working to make the programme a household name.

JFJ is calling on the ministry to scale up education campaigns targeting key stakeholders — police officers, justices of the peace, schools, and community leaders, as well as families and children themselves. In fact, we were heartened when Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck also noted this need during his recent sectoral presentation.

When stakeholders and communities work together it improves the number of children being referred to the programme, ensuring wider participation. This multisectoral collaboration also allows for more tailored rehabilitation plans that address the child’s individual needs.

Imagine a police officer trained in child diversion working alongside a social worker to identify the root causes of a child’s behaviour, or a school that coordinates with community leaders to offer mentorship opportunities. These efforts not only strengthen the programme’s impact but also provide a safety net for children, making it more likely they will succeed in turning their lives around, and ultimately build a safer and more resilient society.

If we are serious about breaking the cycle of violence and crime in Jamaica we must start with the root — our children.

The Child Diversion Programme offers an avenue for change. It recognises that a child’s mistakes should not define their future and that rehabilitation — not punishment — creates the foundation for a safer, more compassionate Jamaica. For this vision to succeed every Jamaican must understand and support the programme’s mission.

Tashwa James

Digital media officer

Jamaicans for Justice

tjames@jamaicansforjustice.org