THE OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL CHILD’S MONTH 2025
The National Child Month Committee (NCMC), formerly known as the Child Welfare Association, in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, and Non-Government organisations declared the month of May as ‘Child Month’, with the third Friday being honored as National Children’s Day. The month-long commemoration which is held annually was established in 1953 in response to the mounting issues of neglect, malnourishment, child abuse, and lack of access to education that was prevalent.
The purpose of the month is to highlight the importance of children in the any nation’s development, while promoting their rights, protection, and well-being. Each year the NCMC selects a theme that reflects current challenges or opportunities affecting children in the country. The themes are chosen based on social trends, national priorities and contribution from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Non-Government organisations (NGOs), schools, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The theme for Child’s Month 2025 is: ‘Act Now, Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation.’ This theme emphasizes the urgent need for collective actions by Jamaicans to protect the nation’s children from harm.
‘Act Now ‘means: Urgency in addressing child abuse and exploitation.
- Without hesitation, report suspected case (s) of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
- Establish secure areas for disclosure in schools and places of worship.
- Educate yourself and others of the signs of abuse.
‘Stand Against’ means: Taking a Unified and Public Position
This involves individuals, communities and institutions joining in solidarity rather than individuality that transcend collective resistance. It encourages:
- Public Condemnation of abuse and exploitation.
- Supporting survivor’s instead of silencing or shaming time.
- Empowering citizens to become protectors and reporters.
‘Child Abuse and Exploitation’ means: Harmful behaviour (s) towards Children:
Physical abuse (burning, choking etc.)
Sexual abuse (molestation, pornography)
Emotional abuse (threats, isolation)
Neglect (failing to provide basic needs or protection)
The JCF’s participation in National Child Month
The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) mandate is to serve and protect its citizens; however during Child Month their work extends beyond traditional policing to embrace an unfathomable, more compassionate role focused on prevention, education, and empowerment of our children. The JCF plays a pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the National Child Month. The theme of this year’s observance seamlessly aligns with the JCF’s mandate:
Protection of the Vulnerable
The JCF is committed to safeguarding all citizens, with particular focus on the vulnerable population—children. This involves taking proactive measures to prevent abuse and swift action to address reported cases.
Law Enforcement and Justice
By investigating and prosecuting offenders, the JCF upholds the rule of law and ensures that perpetrators of child abuse and exploitations are held accountable.
Community Engagement
Through initiatives like the School Resource (SRO) Program the JCF is able to build strong relationships with children and the communities to better understand and address the unique challenges they face in the different area, fostering a collaborative approach to child protection.
Educating the Public and Supporting Investigations with Sensitivity
Through school visits, town hall meetings, community talks and the various social media platforms, the JCF is able to spread awareness to children about their rights, how to recognize abuse and how to report it safely. The Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) and the Community Safety and Security Branch CSSB) are units within the JCF that deals with sensitive cases involving minors. The trained members treat all cases of child abuse with care, respect, and confidentiality.
The observance of Child Month is extremely important because it captures national attention on numerous issues that our youngest citizens struggle with. At a time when children are dealing with issues like abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, this observance serves as a powerful reminder that it is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture our children. It is an appeal for communities, institutions, and individuals to come together, raise awareness, and take meaningful action. Every child deserves a secure and bright future, which is why the JCF is unrelenting in our efforts to safeguard them, fearless in our advocacy, and united in our stance.
