MORE than 4,200 reports of child abuse in all forms have been made to the National Children’s Registry (NCR) since the start of this year.

The figure was disclosed recently by Michelle McIntosh Harvey, acting CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), as she noted that behavioural issues, neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse rank the highest among the reports received by the NCR so far this year.

According to McIntosh Harvey, the NCR receives roughly 12,000 reports of child abuse annually which are dealt with in the best interest of children in need of care and protection.

“However, during 2022, a total of 15,068 reports of child abuse were brought to the attention of the agency, which is the highest ever recorded over 10 years, and is of grave worry,” said McIntosh Harvey.

“These abuses against our children must stop. Enough is enough. We are disheartened because our children continue to be victims of child abuse in all forms, and are not given the privilege to enjoy their childhood, which is their right,” added McIntosh Harvey..

She stressed that there is simply no justification for the atrocities committed against children.

“There is no excuse for failing to act as an adult in protecting our children. So, I am encouraging all Jamaicans — every man, woman, aunt, uncle, grandparents, cousins, neighbour and friend — to exercise greater effort in protecting our most vulnerable, as their safety is top priority,” said McIntosh Harvey.

She added that the CPFSA remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children through its programmes and services as well as public education.

The CPFSA head also argued that while national attention is being placed on children during Child Month, emphasis should be placed on connecting with them holistically beyond the month, as many are suffering in silence and are in need of help.

McIntosh Harvey underscored that in observance of the Child Month theme — ‘Children need our love and protection: Get involved’ — the CPFSA is undertaking planned activities targeting children in State care and the wider community, with an emphasis on child protection and child rights.

These activities include community outreach initiatives, school tours, parenting workshops, youth fora, empowerment sessions, as well as edutainment experiences.

Special focus will be placed on CPFSA’s Missing Children’s Youth Forum scheduled for May 25 at Altamont Court hotel in St Andrew.

This forum will target children 13-16 years, and is intended to develop youth-centred solutions to addressing the missing children crisis in Jamaica. Several stakeholders will also be in attendance.

Attention is also being placed on the agency’s ongoing islandwide Child Protection School Hop Tour and Children’s Home Outreach, aimed at educating children about child protection and their rights.

The initiative includes officers from the agency, accompanied by the child protection mascot ‘Mr Protector’, visiting schools and residential child care facilities, interacting with children, and also promoting the 211, 24-hour toll-free child abuse reporting hotline.

On Friday, May 19, the agency will also observe Child Management Day. This initiative exposes children to different job portfolios in residential childcare facilities, CPFSA offices and other participating organisations.

Other regional events are being held throughout the month, as well as media opportunities to amplify awareness about child abuse, child rights and child protection.

McIntosh Harvey is imploring parents and guardians to reserve a little more time than usual during this month, and get involved in their children’s lives, at home, school and in their communities.