Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE Mary Clarke says her office has been flooded with complaints of abuse against children, including a serious allegation of abuse by a government agency.
The Office of the Children's Advocate was created out of the Child Care and Protection Act. The Children's Advocate is responsible for investigating and representing cases of violation of children's rights, and various forms of crimes and abuses against the nation's children. The Children's Advocate also serves as the watchdog for agencies and organisations which are responsible for the island's children.
"People have been calling and writing in and I have been getting a lot of complaints including two against schools, one to do with child labour, HIV/AIDS issues and one of a serious nature made against a government organisation," Mrs. Clarke told The Gleaner yesterday.
DECLINED TO COMMENT
She, however, declined to comment on the nature of the complaints.
The office of the Children's Advocate was temporarily being operated out of the Ministry of Health, but was removed because critics have been arguing that it should be an independent office.
The office is now temporarily located at 60 Knutsford Boulevard. Mrs. Clarke explained that the National Land Agency is assisting her to find a permanent building.
The Children's Advocate, who reports directly to Parliament, said she is in the process of recruiting staff but is in the meantime getting legal advice from the Attorney-General's office for cases brought against institutions or persons outside of the government. She noted that the Office of the Public Defender was handling complaints, brought against the government.
Persons who wish to make complaints on behalf of children can contact the Office of the Children's Advocate at 926-7584, ext 232.
