Advocacy groups want CDA’s role cleared up

Two advocacy groups, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), and Help JA Children are demanding a clarification of the role of the Child Development Agency (CDA).

The groups say this has become necessary because of the cases involving the 14-year-old who gave birth, while facing a murder charge and the incidence of children in police lock-ups being housed in the same facilities as adults.

Chief Advocate of Help JA Children, Brandon Allwood said there’s confusion surrounding the role of the agency.

Allwood said JFJ and Help JA Children also want to know what CDA’s role is as it relates to the evaluation and monitoring of juvenile offenders and juvenile detention facilities.

In the meantime, the groups said they are expecting to meet with the Youth Minister, Lisa Hanna on Friday to discuss some of their concerns.

Hanna is currently out of the country on personal business.

She's expected to return tomorrow.

editorial@gleanerjm.com