The EDITOR, Sir:

I have read the letter 'Protecting our young children', published in The Gleaner on January 5, and would like to clarify the role of the Child Development Agency (CDA) for Eugenia Robinson, as well as to suggest some ways in which every Jamaican can help reshape the environment in which our children are being raised.

The CDA has statutory responsibility for children who are in need of care and protection including those abused, neglected or abandoned, as well as for children who are experiencing behavioural problems. This means, therefore, that the CDA has an obligation to investigate reports referred to the agency and, if necessary, make arrangements for children to be brought before a Children's Court or Family Court as a child in need of care and protection. Approximately 4,900 cases have been referred to the CDA since the start of the 2008/2009 financial year.

Public education

The CDA is also actively involved in primary prevention work including public education, community outreach and capacity building of professionals, service partners and citizens groups such as PTAs. As such, we regularly conduct seminars, workshops, town meetings and develop and disseminate materials that inform children about their rights and adults about their responsibilities to protect children as guided by the CCPA 2004.

The number of persons served by these activities over the last year is more than 280,000, an increase over the numbers reached in '06/'07 and '07/'08, which averaged 100,000 persons per year.

In the fourth and final quarter of the '08/'09 financial year, the agency will consolidate its primary prevention strategies in accordance with its corporate strategic plan and in fulfilment of the mandate of the National Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention.

Ms Robinson's appeal: 'tell us how we can help' brings me encouragement because I can tell that she fully understands that creating a Jamaica fit for children can be achieved, not by the efforts of one individual or group, but through collective action against the abuse, neglect and exploitation of our children.

The Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) 2004 stipulates:

Section 2: 'Children are entitled to be protected from abuse, neglect and harm or threat of harm'. Further, all Jamaicans are legally obligated, under Section 6 of the CCPA, to report known or suspected cases of child abuse, neglect and abandonment to the Office of the Children's Registry (1-888-PROTECT or 1888-776-8328).

The penalty for failure to report is a fine of $500,000 or six months in prison or both.

Act right: love, honour and protect our children. If you see it, report it!

I am, etc.,

ALISON ANDERSON

Chief Executive Officer,

Child Development Agency

andersona@cda.gov.jm

48 Duke Street

Kingston