Remember: The care and protection of children

THE Child Care and Protection Act, among other things, holds that parents have the main responsibility for the care and protection of their children.

Parental duties apply to both mother and father, whether or not they live with the children; step-parents; foster parents or adoptive parents; and guardians or other persons charged with the raising of the children.

Remember, you are obligated to report cases of negligence and abuse, or else you may be held responsible for harm to those children.

Child neglect can result in a maximum sentence of three years. Other types of abuse will attract higher sentences based on the level of harm done to the children. Failing to report if you know or suspect that a child is abused or is in need of care and protection can result in a sentence of six months in prison or a fine of $500,000. The maximum sentence for incest (having sex with a daughter, granddaughter or similar relative) has been increased to 16 years’ imprisonment. Hiring a child to work in a nightclub attracts a penalty of $1 million, and the risk of having the club closed down by the authorities.

The Act received final approval by Jamaica’s Parliament on March 11, 2004, and was signed into law by the governor general on March 25, 2004.