ANDERSON
THE CHILD Development Agency (CDA) yesterday rushed a ream of psychologists and social workers to the Homestead Place of Safety in Stony Hill, St. Andrew, to counsel wards and staff, following the discovery of the body of a 13-year-old ward of the state.
The child died under "questionable circumstances" a statement from the CDA said yesterday. The agency said it was awaiting a coroner's report on the incident.
Chief executive officer of the CDA, Alison Anderson, who visited the home yesterday, said the incident was "truly unfortunate, particularly as it came just before the agency began a major programme of psychological interventions."
PSYCHOLOGISTS COMMISSIONED
She said: "A team of psychologists has already been commissioned to begin a programme within the children's homes and places (of safety) and we were to begin right after the Christmas holidays," said Anderson.
She said the psychologists and a group of social workers were currently at Homestead holding group sessions with the traumatised children and staff, who were present when the child died.
There are 37 girls at the home who are catered to by a staff of 12 caregivers.
