Lobby group Hear the Children’s Cry (HTCC) is urging the security forces to use all available resources to hold those responsible for recent tragedies against children accountable.

Two-year-old Tajaun Jackson was killed in a drive-by shooting along Grenmeade Road in Kingston on Monday evening, and hours later yesterday, 18-year-old Jada Pollard was shot and killed during a suspected burglary at her home in St. Andrew.

The deaths have renewed discussions about the safety of the nation’s youth and the need for a radical shift in how they are treated.

HTCC Director, Nigel Cooper, who described the killings as horrendous and unacceptable, said those responsible should not be allowed to walk free.

Mr. Cooper is also pressing for the Holness administration to address and implement HTCC’s urgent proposal for a Government-led 10-year disrupt poor parenting project.

He explained that for more than 40 years, social relations, including family dynamics and parenting have been on the decline, with devastating impacts on children and the nation.

He said the project entails personal interventions combined with behaviour modification campaigns targeting parents with children in Grades 1 to 10.

Mr Cooper said that, although the initiative would need to be well-funded and could cost billions, such a project can no longer be delayed.