Child Care and Protection Act 2004

Child Care and Protection Act (2004)

• The Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) was enacted in 2004 to strengthen child protection and promote their rights.
• The CCPA's objective is to promote the best interests, safety, and well-being of children across Jamaica.

CCPA Briefs

• The Act recognizes the family as the preferred environment for raising children, and the family has primary responsibility for their protection.
• The Act outlines the need for support services or alternative environments when a family cannot adequately care for a child.
• Circumstances leading to removal of a child from family include abuse, neglect, parent's inability to care for the child, or if the child exhibits negative behavior that requires control.
• The Act defines guidelines for placing children in state care, their rights, and transfer/removal processes.
• The Act outlines the ages at which children can gain employment, and the specific terms.

National Children's Registry (NCR)

• The National Children's Registry (NCR), formerly known as the Office of the Children's Registry, is the central repository for child abuse cases in Jamaica.
• Information about suspected child abuse is supplied by health professionals, school staff, social workers, and anyone else reporting such cases.
• The Office of the Children's Advocate (OCA), and the Children's Register are both established under the CCPA.
• The OCA's role is to protect and enforce children's rights.
• The Children's Advocate is appointed by the Governor General.

The Early Childhood Act (2005)

• The Early Childhood Act (2005) covers the requirements for registering early childhood institutions.
• Early childhood institutions must meet requirements set out by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).
• Applicants for registration must be 18 years or older, without criminal history, and have sound mind and body.
• The premises to be used must meet the ECC standards. .
• The ECC can refuse an application for any reason outlined in the Act and is involved in decisions of registration or renewal regarding early childhood institutions.
• Operating an early childhood institution without proper registration is an offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding $200,000.

ECC (Early Childhood Commission)

• The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is established by the Early Childhood Commission Act (2003).
• The ECC improves the quality of early childhood care, education and development.
• The ECC is part of the Ministry of Education and coordinates all programmes in the early childhood sector.
• The ECC is involved in policy matters related to early childhood development in Jamaica, preparing plans and programmes, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation of early childhood plans and programmes.

Functions of the CPFSA (Child Protection and Family Services Agency)

• The CPFSA is governed by the Child Care and Protection Act (2004) and provides care to children that are deemed in need of care and protection by the courts, or awaiting the court proceedings outcome.
• The CPFSA investigates cases of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
• They assess children brought into care, and administer programmes intended to offer a nurturing living environment to the children.
• The CPFSA provides regulatory oversight of residential child-care facilities, ensuring quality care.
• The activities also include safeguarding children from abuse and protecting their welfare.

Adoption of Children Act - 1958 & Children Guardianship & Custody Act - 1957

• The Adoption of Children Act, 1958, guides adoption procedures in Jamaica.
• The Children Guardianship & Custody Act, 1957, guides the custody of children in Jamaica.

Location of CPFSA

• 48 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica

This quiz explores the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) of 2004, which is pivotal in securing the rights and well-being of children in Jamaica. It addresses the family’s role in child protection, circumstances for child removal, and guidelines for state care. Test your understanding of this important legislation and its implications for child welfare.