Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Allison Anderson (standing), chief executive officer of the Child Development Agency, converses with Tina Matalon (second right), marketing manager, Restaurants of Jamaica, operators of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Looking on are Betrand Bainvel (right), UNICEF representative and Richard Lumsden (left), chairman of the Jamaica Foundation for Children. The occasion was yesterday's launch of Children's Expo 2006. The expo is scheduled for May 11-14 at the National Arena, St. Andrew. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
INEFFECTIVE PARENTING and poor family support are the main reasons for 1,200 children entering the child protection system each year, according to Allison Anderson, chief executive officer of the Child Development Agency (CDA).
"Children without a stable home life are offered a poor start in life. A clear picture of this is seen in the number of children that are remanded each year because they ... are in conflict with the law," Ms. Anderson said.
Speaking yesterday during the launch of Children's Expo 2006 at the Hilton Kingston hotel, Ms. Anderson said 70 per cent of the children who enter the protection system have behavioural problems such as criminality, risky sexual behaviour, violent action and are disobedient to caregivers.
Ms. Anderson told the gathering that every child has the right to be a part of a nurturing, stable family unit.
She said the theme for this year's exposition, 'Restoring Family, Saving Our Children', is appropriate as it reinforces a commitment to children by assisting parents to improve family life.
Richard Lumsden, chairman for the Jamaica Foundation for Children, said children and young people continue to face challenges including exclusion, threats from sexually transmitted diseases, antisocial behaviour, and crime and violence.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN
Mr. Lumsden said the Children's Expo, which is to be held May 11 to 14 at the National Arena in St. Andrew, provides an avenue for members of
the society to reflect on the importance of children.
And, Tina Matalon, marketing manager for KFC, main sponsor for the expo, said it will be held at a time when there is increasing violence against children. According to figures provided by the police, at least 21 children have been killed since the start of the year.
