The Editor, Sir:

Ms Rose Dewar, in her letter to the editor dated November 10, wonders how the Church would know that teenagers are having difficulties if the teenagers do not attend church. The short answer is that many churches have outreach programmes which reach teenagers who do not attend church.

We contend that more can be done in this direction. In addition, my own office receives complaints from many teenagers who have the confidence and trust to get in touch with us. Perhaps we should also explain that members of staff, as well as I, reach out to schools, youth clubs and children's homes to inform children that they can approach us directly and we would consider their best interests as mandated by the Child Care and Protection Act. We also try to educate parents concerning their responsibilities and we are sure that we are making progress in this respect.

We do not pretend to know all that is happening to children in Jamaica, but we are not "far removed from the reality facing parents/guardians", as Ms Dewar asserts.

I am, etc.,

Mrs MARY CLARKE

Children's Advocate