In continuing to promote the safety and protection of Jamaica’s children, the Child Protection & Family Services Agency on November 19, will commemorate World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse by hosting a Child Rights Village and Concert at Emancipation Park from 2:00 to 9:00 pm.  This year, we recognize the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by the United Nations and Jamaica recognizes 28 years since adopting the Convention.

In recognition of these two dates, we will execute a Child Rights Village from 2:00-5:00p.m comprising of booths/information desks with stakeholders whose mandates are in keeping with the four categories of rights under the CRC – Survival, Developmental, Protection and Participation.

Between 5:00 to 7:00p.m there will be a launch of the National Plan of Action for an Integrated Response to Violence Against Children (please see attached invitation) which will then segue into a ceremonial remembrance for children who have died under violent and tragic circumstances for the period October 2018 to present. The event will end with a short concert with two artistes.

The Agency will be hosting a Child Protection Forum on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, beginning at 5:00 p.m. to address issues affecting children and families.

The event which is open to the public will see a panel comprising representatives from the CPFSA, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Family Court and Jamaica Fire Brigade addressing concerns reaching their varying offices, as well as solutions to safeguarding children and strengthening families. The floor will later open for questions from attendees.

Other agencies attending the Forum include: Road Safety Council, Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Vector Control and Mental Health Units, along with the JCF’s Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) and Ananda Alert.

The Child Protection Forum continues the CPFSA’s child protection campaign – Every Child Deserves Protection which aims to educate the public about the rights of children, issues affecting our children and provide timely child protection tips. The campaign additionally seeks to encourage Jamaicans to see every child as ‘my child’, and therefore exercise individual responsibility in ensuring the protection of each child.