Superintendent of Institutions, from left: Clifton Morris, Summerfield; Janet Davidson, Musgrave Girls; Sharon Wiles, Glenhope Place of Safety; Alene Johnson, Glenhope Nursery; Albert Stamp, Homestead Place of Safety; Collie Plowright, St. Augustine Place of Safety; and Lucille King Brown, Marigold Place of Safety.CHILD CARE Institutions in Jamaica are administered by the Children's Services Division, Ministry of Health, under section 85 of the Juvenile (Children's Homes) Regulations, 1951.
Presently there are fifty-six institutions which offer residential care and cater to 2,526 children ranging from birth to eighteen years, who are found to be in difficult circumstances. These institutions are located across the island, at least one in each parish except St. Thomas. Thirteen homes are government run while the remaining forty-three are privately operated, but are licensed and monitored by government.
Institutions are divided into two categories.
1. Places of Safety
These provide temporary or short term care for children who are awaiting Court appearance, Foster Care, Children's Home Placement or Home-on-Trial.
2. Children's Home
Placement in Children's Home becomes necessary when neither relatives nor foster care placement can be identified for a child.
The duration of stay in these homes are longer but children are allowed visits from relatives and to spend holidays with them.
Each institution is managed by a Superintendent/Adminis-trator and a team of professional and supportive staff who are responsible for the day-to-day care of the children.
The institutions endeavour to provide programmes that promote the overall development of the children. Academic programmes are seen as priority hence, children attend the various schools in the communities. Skills training is also provided for those who have the aptitude. These include: Home Economics, Agriculture, Cosmetology, Woodwork, Garment Construction and Art and Craft.
There are also an abundance of opportunities for children to participate in cultural and other activities within and outside the institutions.
As the Children's Services Division celebrates its 50th year we continue to serve our children with diligence, care and commitment but we seek the support and co-operation of all Jamaicans.
Claudette Hemmings (Mrs.) - Deputy Director
