How can we educate our people?

Q.
My 17-year-old mentally-challenged daughter was recently molested when coming home from school. I had a rough time with the police as they were not very understanding. One of them called her an imbecile. I was very angry. How can we educate our people?

A.
There are many police officers who are very aware of and sensitive to persons with special needs. What must happen is that as parents and advocates, we must educate the police and the public as much as we can. Please ensure that your daughter receives counselling for the trauma she has experienced.

Q.
I can no longer help my 12-year-old emotionally disturbed son. Are there any facilities in Jamaica that can board him?

A.
Boarding your son should be a last resort. Has your child been tested by a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist?

Please send more details so we can refer you. Call us at 382-7034 for more information.

Q.
I want to study to be a psychologist. I see many USA online programmes advertised, are they good?

A.
What you should do is check to see if the university's psychology programme is accredited by the American Psychological Association. If it is, it should be okay. Check to see if the programme truly matches your needs.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.