CPFSA wants parents to be vigilant after school shooting

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is calling on parents to be more vigilant in checking the items that their children take with them to school.

This call comes following an incident at the Ocho Rios High School on Monday, in which a 12-year-old female student was said to have been accidentally shot in the leg by another student who brought a gun to school in his school bag. Laurette Adams-Thomas, CEO of the CPFSA, said it is imperative that parents be more vigilant about checking their children's bags before they go to school, to prevent them from taking dangerous or inappropriate items with them "be it weapons, pornographic materials or drug-related items".

"These things do not only put your child at risk, but can also endanger the lives of other children and teachers at the school. You might not get the chance to check their bags every day, but checking them regularly and randomly will assist in deterring children from trying to sneak these items to school," she added.

Adams-Thomas also shared that the agency is currently offering psychosocial support to the female student.

"The young victim and her family were referred to the Ministry of Justice's Victim's Services Division as well as the CPFSA's Child and Family Support Unit for counselling and further psychosocial support." she said.

Adams-Thomas also reminded and encouraged persons to report any and all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. Child abuse reports may also be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, or through its social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.