• Text size  | | |
• Email this document
• Printable version

Jamaica: Update to JAM33355.E of 6 December 1999 on the protection available to abandoned, neglected and/or abused children

According to the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR), the state is obligated to provide protection and "alternative family care or suitable institutional placement" for a child "deprived of the family environment" (5 Apr. 2002).

The Ministry of Health runs a clinic, situated in the West Indies University Hospital, that "specializes in counselling for children affected by physical violence and sexual abuse," and the police force has Rape and Mediation Units to deal with these issues (UNDP 22 Oct. 2001).

The following information was provided during a 15 May 2002 telephone interview with a representative of the Child Services branch of the Ministry of Health in Jamaica.

When a case of child abuse, neglect or abandonment is reported either Child Services, the police or the probation department is responsible for the investigation of the matter. If, in the case of abuse, removal from the home is warranted, the child is put in a "place of safety." These childcare institutions, either government-operated or privately run under government supervision, provide shelter for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. The children, who may remain until the age of 18 years, are eligible for placement in the homes only if they are under the age of 17 years. After being placed in a home, the child is brought before the juvenile or family court as soon as possible, to ensure the "legality" of the placement.

The representative stated that although the Child Care and Protection Bill, which has been expected for some time, has not yet been passed, it is expected to come into effect by the end of the year.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR). 5 April 2002. "The Rights of the Child." <http://www.ijchr.com/children.htm> [Accessed 10 May 2002]

Jamaican Ministry of Health, Child Services Branch. 15 May 2002. Telephone interview with representative.

UNDP. United Nations Inter-Agency Campaign on Women's Human Rights. 22 October 2001. "Against Violence: Jamaica." <http://www.undp.org/rblac/gender/jamaica.htm> [Accessed 10 May 2002]

Additional Sources Consulted

High Commission of Jamaica

IRB Databases

NEXIS

Women's Crisis Centre, Kingston

WNC

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

Human Rights Watch

Jamaica Gleaner

UNHCHR

UNICEF