Articles published by this newspaper over recent times focusing on the haunting effect of Hurricane Melissa on children are very timely. An unfortunate truth is that all too often adults forget emotional and psychological trauma triggered by bad experiences in their growing-up years.

Reports from educators in our western region of children screaming, trembling, and showing other signs of stress during heavy rain as a direct result of Melissa are bad enough.

Now we hear that even in sections of eastern Jamaica where the effect of the monster storm was far less significant, images and reports are fuelling mental depression among the very young. Hence the importance of comprehensive psychosocial support which Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon is reported as saying is in place with the help of private clinicians across Jamaica. Specialists from University Hospital of the West Indies, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other organisations are also said to be on board.

Melissa’s impact aside, our latest Sunday edition reminds us of the sterling work of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). They, as a matter of course, must strive to shape, nurture, and guide disadvantaged children — some emotionally and physically traumatised — to become honest, responsible citizens with a burning desire to succeed.

Mr Anthony Harriott, described as a successful sales consultant who grew up as a ward of the State, recently paid tribute to CPFSA at a function to honour high educational achievers under their care. Mr Harriott tells of how loving caregivers at the SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill, St Andrew, inspired him, his siblings and others to become more than just statics but contributors to community and national development.

Says Mr Harriott: “The talk of the day was ‘You are awesome. You can do it. Your background will not hinder you’. That was our motto…and every day I got up and [tried] to live by that motto.”

We are taken by CPFSA’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Laurette Adams-Thomas comment that the recent function was not just about “recognising academic results” but also “honouring discipline, endurance, and…quiet determination…”

For the nurturing of such qualities the team at the CPFSA, foster parents, and others should all take a bow. Research suggests that up to 2024 there were just over 4,500 children in State care under the supervision of the CPFSA. They are located in institutionalised children’s homes, places of safety and foster homes — including relatives of affected children.

There has long been a push by the authorities for a “de-institutionalisation of children in need of care”. That’s on the basis of established evidence that those in normal or near-normal family environment are likely to be better adjusted, socially and in terms of their education. But, as Mr Harriott’s life experience perhaps demonstrates one size doesn’t fit all.

At bottomline, of course, children are removed from their homes by the State for safety reasons. And often, the trigger is poor parenting. This newspaper remains firmly of the view that the way to improve parenting over the long term is through widespread and comprehensive training. That should be part of an overarching drive to resocialise our people by reviving the values and attitudes programme which was undermined many years ago by political expediency.

It’s not enough to criticise and condemn those who bring up their children without the required care and attention. The harsh truth is that many know no better because they themselves were badly brought up.

It’s long past time to proactively break that cycle.