In keeping with their zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and its parent ministry, the Ministry of Education and Youth, have moved to de-license the Sunbeam Children’s Home, in St. Catherine.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, the decision came after various intervention methods, to curb abuse at the facility, failed. 

Mrs. Adams-Thomas said “Under section 49, subsection 3 of the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) the Minister may cancel any license issued to a home if the Minister is of the opinion that there has been any contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, such as child abuse, and may apply to the Court under section 57 (2) for an order or an interim order for the removal of any child from the home.”

Mrs. Adams-Thomas said psychological and psychosocial support will be provided to the children to aid in their transition out of Sunbeam.

Meanwhile, the CPFSA says it will be ramping up safety policies and regulations, and revamping screening and hiring protocols at its facilities.

She emphasized that the agency is working to improve the level of care received by each child.