KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has won a legal battle to remove 52 children from the Sunbeam Children’s Home in the central parish of St. Catherine, following a probe into alleged cases of child abuse at the facility.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News, Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas said the courts granted the order for the children to be removed, and they are all currently being housed at the exact location.
The CPFSA previously disclosed that cases of physical abuse at the facility were reported to the National Children’s Registry dating back to 2020.
In January, the facility was de-licensed after internal investigations revealed that instances of child abuse were continuing.
The Sunbeam Children’s Home manager, Desmond Whitely, subsequently complained about handling the matter, including investigating abuse cases.
However, according to Adams-Thomas, consistent communication with the facility’s management and opportunities to correct the deficiencies, including staff participation in behavior modification training, were provided.
Adams-Thomas said when she took over leadership of the CPFSA in October, meetings were held with the management of all Children’s Homes, and the zero-tolerance approach to child abuse was emphasized.
Abuse allegations were proven following investigations carried out in conjunction with the Office of the Children’s Advocate.
The latest report of abuse at Sunbeam Children’s Home was made in January of this year.
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