The Senate on Friday approved amendments to the Maintenance Act to provide for a Maintenance Order to be granted by the court after a child attains the age of 18 years.

This is for the purpose of engaging in a course of education or training, whether or not an order of maintenance had been issued prior.

Such an order, however, would not extend for any period beyond the child attaining the age of 23 years.

Minister of Information and Youth, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said the act signals the government’s commitment to the protection of families and the welfare of children.

She urged all Jamaicans to embrace the principles of the amended act.