Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Children's Advocate Mary Clarke explains some of the clauses in the Child Care and Protection Act while speaking during the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston's weekly luncheon, held yesterday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
A NATIONAL policy for street children is soon to be developed, according to newly-appointed Children's Advocate Mary Clarke.
Mrs. Clarke said yesterday that the policy is aimed at guiding Government on how to address the issues that are affecting street children and ultimately remove them from the streets.
"This is in a draft policy which has to be finalised and taken to the Government for endorsement," she told The Gleaner yesterday.
She added: "We presented the draft to various ministries and got their suggestions and it's just to finalise it now."
MANDATORY ACTION PLAN
Mrs. Clarke said that once Government endorses the policy, it will become mandatory for each ministry - namely Education, National Security and Health - to develop an action plan to address the plight of these children.
Speaking at the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston's weekly luncheon, held yesterday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Mrs. Clarke said that under the Child Care and Protection Act, every citizen has the responsibility to report children who are involved in child labour.
She told The Gleaner that though scores of street children can be seen at major traffic lights each day, much is being done to help them.
CLAMPDOWN ON STREET CHILDREN
She said various children's organisations are not only taking children off the streets, but are also equipping parents so they can be better able to provide for their children.
Last November, Superintendent Newton Amos announced that he would be clamping down on street children. At least eight parents were placed before the courts last year for neglecting their children.
As Children's Advocate, Mrs. Clarke is responsible for investigating and representing cases of violation of children's rights and various forms of crimes and abuses against the nation's children. She will also serve as the watchdog for agencies and organisations which are responsible for the island's children.
Apart from increasing the awareness of the role of her office, Mrs. Clarke said she would ensure that the voices of the children are heard at all times.
