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The Child Care and Protection Act

AS THIS MONTH is being celebrated as 'Child Month', a Kingston resident is of the view that the focus for the relevant authorities should be to take steps to ensure that all the young children roaming the streets attend school.

"I am still concerned at the number of children I see roaming the streets during school hours and if these children do not attend school Jamaica will never be rid of illiteracy," the resident remarked.

The resident is frustrated also with the growing number of children who frequent the plazas and fast food places to beg. "It is very depressing to see these young children begging money from shoppers.

Same story

"Sometimes I stop and question some of them and they tell me similar stories. They say their mothers are not working and they have not been attending school regularly. I know that May is celebrated as Child Month and with that in mind Government agencies should take the necessary steps to ensure that the children roaming the streets attend school. Children officers should visit the schools on a monthly basis and get a list of all the children who have dropped out of school so that they can get them back into school."

The Government passed legislation in 1980 giving the Minister power to declare compulsory education in some areas. Under Section 21(2) of the Education Act it is the duty of the parents of every child of compulsory school age residing in a compulsory education area to cause the child to receive full-time education suitable to the child's age and ability.

The Child Care and Protection Act which was passed this year places a duty on every person responsible for the maintenance of a child to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, lodging and health care appropriate to the age and needs of the child.

School attendance

Section 28 of the Act states that "evey person having the custody, charge or care of a child between the ages of four and 16 years shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the child is enrolled at, and attends, school".

If a person is financially unable to provide for a child, the law states that the person can apply to the Minister (of Education) for assistance.