By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterMINISTER OF Health, John Junor, says that he expects a draft report from a special committee set up to review operations in Jamaica's Children's Homes and Places of Safety by tomorrow.
Speaking with The Gleaner on Wednesday night, Mr. Junor said, however, that details of the report would not be immediately available.
"A draft report is to come this week to the Ministry. It will take sometime for the permanent secretary and the staff to review it. Then we will discuss it with the committee and make a report within two to three weeks," Mr. Junor said. He spoke with The Gleaner prior to the start of the opening ceremony of the Medical Association of Jamaica's (MAJ) 2003 Symposium at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. It is being held under the theme, 'Chronic Diseases in the Caribbean'.
The report, which deals with facilities' operations, was commissioned by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in January, following allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse in Children's homes and places of safety across the island.
It was originally due in March, but was delayed twice, after the four member committee's request for more time to complete it.
CHAIRED
The committee is chaired by Sadie Keating, a retired Permanent Secretary. The other members are Dr. Pauline Milbourn, Child Psychiatrist, Rosemary Neale-Irving, Senior Resident Magistrate and Judge of the Family Court for Kingston and St. Andrew; and Maureen Webber, a development consultant.
The committee was asked to assess the procedures for intake evaluation and placement of children in care and to make recommendations for improvement; determine the support systems necessary to address behavioural problems exhibited by children in care; ascertain the functionality of the children's homes in Jamaica determined by factors such as - staff, child ratio, level of education accessed, environmental conditions and preparation for final separation from care, among other things.
