We could not intervene without court directive - CDA

The Child Development Agency, CDA says it could not intervene without a direction from the court in the case of the 14-year-old girl who became pregnant and gave birth while facing a murder charge.

In a statement in which it apologised for claims that the agency was not aware of the case, the CDA said a child 12 years and older who is charged with a criminal offence falls under the purview of the Department of Correctional Services not the CDA.

The agency says it does not become involved in these cases unless the court determines that its services are needed.

The statement says in this particular instance, that determination was never made until July 27.

That’s almost one year after the teenager first appeared before the court charged with murder.

The CDA says since the court order it has been actively involved in the case.

editorial@gleanerjm.com