STRONGER LAWS are needed to make parents more accountable for their children's well being, according to National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips.
Speaking Wednesday night at the launch of the Jamaica National Building Society's (JNBS) Family Wellness programme and the 'Bonding the Hearts for Home' family seminars, Dr. Phillips said ways must be found to hold the feet of parents to the fire, including the deduction of child support from the salaries of deadbeat dads.
"The state has to fashion deliberate laws that require, on pain of sanction, persons to exercise their responsibility to their children. Shouldn't you be held responsible if your child is seen on the street at 1:00 a.m.?" Minister Phillips asked during the launch, which took place at the Faith Temple New Testament Church of God in Bayside, Portmore.
ACCUSED CAREGIVERS
JNBS' General Manager, Earl Jarrett, also called for strong punishments if the state finds guilty, four caregivers accused of sexually molesting children in children's homes and places of safety more then two years ago.
Kent Pantry, the Director of Public Prosecutions, ruled recently that the four caregivers be charged in connection with a file containing 23 cases where children were allegedly sexually abused while in children's homes and places of safety. The four caregivers have not been arrested.
For copies or more information on the Bonding the Heart Family Series, call Anthony Hall at 534-8046.
