Noblenanny News

The Child Care and Protection, Children's Home Regulations as well as Child Care and Protection Advisory Council Regulations were approved on July 10 in the House of Representatives. The Ministry of health, Horace Dalley said that the complementary Regulations to the Child Care and Protection Act 2004 will preside over the establishment and control of children's homes in Jamaica. Totally, there are 62 residential child care facilities for which the Child Development Agency has regulatory responsibility. Of the total, 13 are operated by the government of Jamaica and 49 are privately owned. The Minister informed the Lower House that under the new regulations, children's home cannot function without a valid license. The Minister holds the authority to snub granting or renewal of this license and the applicant can make an appeal against the terms and conditions of the license, the cancellation or the suspension of the license or the refusal to grant the license within 14 days of the date of notification, Mr. Dalley explained. He added that appeals can be made to a judge against any refusal of the Minister to grant, permit the transfer, or for renewing a license and that the license has to ensure whether every child in their homes receives in a careful manner at all times.