Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
Mary Clarke (left), former manager of the Social Development and Gender Unit at the Planning Institute of Jamaica, discusses her appointment to the post of Children's Advocate while John Junor, Minister of Health, looks on during a press briefing at the Health Ministry, downtown Kingston, yesterday. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MARY CLARKE, the former manager of the Social Development and Gender Unit at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), has been appointed Children's Advocate.
Mrs. Clarke, who is also a former teacher of history, religious education and economics, was appointed to the post after an extended search by the Ministry of Health for a candidate to fill the position created under the 2004 Child Care and Protection Act.
The new Children's Advocate said yesterday that she has always been passionate about the welfare of children.
Health Minister John Junor announced the appointment during a press briefing at the Health Ministry, downtown Kingston.
He said: "The Children's Advocate will operate in a similar way to the Ombudsman, or the Public Defender, for matters affecting children and will, therefore, play a vital role as watchdog for all agencies and organisations that have a mandate related to the care of children."
Mrs. Clarke said her immediate plans were to provide public education on the Office of Children's Advocate and access to it. "The responsibilities are wide and varied, and will include at all times, representing and promoting the rights and the best interest of the child," she said. "It will also include reviewing laws and practices and making recommendations for children in the interest of the child."
In addition, the office will provide legal representation and related assistance to children when needed, and will investigate and hear complaints on behalf of children from authorities.
The Office of Children's Advocate, which was funded by both the United Nations Children's Fund and the Government, is said to have cost between $20-$25 million to set up.
"It will have a complement of 19 members of staff, but we will start with a core of 12," Mrs. Clarke said. Housed temporarily at the Ministry of Health, the office is expected to meet the needs of children islandwide.
