CPFSA says child care facilities secured in wake of Tropical Storm Melissa

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says government and private residential child care facilities have been secured in the wake of Tropical Storm Melissa.

CPFSA CEO Laurette Adams Thomas says the agency’s Disaster Committee has been meeting regularly since the start of the hurricane season in June, and as of today, reports from its regions are that all 50 residential child care facilities have been properly secured in anticipation of the upcoming weather system.

“We have been preparing our child care facilities by activating the established Disaster Plans. Each child care facility has its own disaster plan, which guides the disaster preparation process for that facility, including checking physical structures for leaks or other repairs to be made, as well as securing adequate food, water, and necessary hurricane supplies. The plan also states the necessary measures to be undertaken in the event of an emergency at that facility,” she said.

Adams Thomas says all facilities have at least a two-week supply of food and water for children and caregivers.

The facilities have also secured necessary disaster supplies based on their individual needs

“Additionally, the CPFSA will convene an Emergency Operations Centre, which will offer more centralised assistance to both our facilities and parish offices, as well as liaise directly with central personnel from ODPEM (the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management), MOHW (Ministry of Health and Wellness), JFB (Jamaica Fire Brigade), JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) and the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force),” Adams Thomas said.

She also shared that during the passing of the weather system, two child abuse reporting numbers that can receive text messages will be prioritised.

“We must never let our guard down when it comes to protecting our children. While persons can continue to call our 24/7 child abuse reporting hotline 211to make a report, if they experience difficulty reaching us during the storm, they may also contact us via WhatsApp or by calling 876-878-2882 or 876-822-7031,” Adams Thomas said, adding that child abuse reports can also be made via email report@childprotection.gov.jm or through the CPFSA’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), @cpfsajm.

“We also stand ready to support any child or children who might be displaced as a result of the impending storm,” she added.

“We are not only prioritizing the safety and protection of our children under our care, but we are also ensuring the safety and security of our staff as well. We have ensured that staff members who are working at the child care facilities during the storm have adequate accommodations, should they be unable to get to their homes at the end of their shifts. We are also ensuring that the staff at our National Children’s Registry who receive child abuse reports are able to do so from the safety of their homes, by utilising soft phones, so that they can have access to our child abuse reporting numbers as if they were in the office,” Adams Thomas said.

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