Jamaicans asked to protect, and love children

Jamaicans are being encouraged to extend love, protection and hope to the most vulnerable, particularly children.

This passionate call came from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas
while addressing the recent launch of National Foster Care Week 2025,  at the Portmore Moravian Church in St Catherine.

Adams-Thomas explained that the Week is dedicated to celebrating the love, commitment, and selflessness of foster parents across the nation, who have opened their hearts and homes to children who are in need of care and protection.

“This year, as we embrace the theme, ‘Fostering a Spirit of Love’, it is a timely reminder of the boundless love that transformed the lives of our children, especially those who need it most, who reside in our care,” she said.

The CEO highlighted that several regional church services are being held in various parishes and will end on February 15 in St Mary.

“All of this is to ensure that as many persons as possible can join us in lifting this noble cause before God. So, we are spreading the goodness across all regions. Throughout Foster Care Week, we will also be engaging in various activities to raise awareness about our drive for new foster parents,” Adams-Thomas said.

Among the weeklong activities will be community walkthroughs, which will take place in all parishes, to allow the CPFSA representatives to engage directly with members of the public; and a forum where foster children will get the opportunity to show their creativity in expressing their love and gratitude to their foster parents by creating “loving messages for them with our Wall of Love” the CEO said.

“We will then close out the Week with a media and social media blitz, to amplify our message far and wide on the airwaves and online. At the end of the month, we will also pay tribute to the extraordinary foster parents who have devoted a decade or more to the nurturing and uplifting of our children. Their dedication goes beyond more than providing shelter,” she added.

As of January 2025, approximately 60 per cent of the children in state care are living in familial environments, while 40 per cent remain in children's homes and places of safety.

The CEO said data have shown that children thrive better in “familial environments” where they receive individual attention, consistent guidance, and the warmth of a home.

“Our goal is to see more of our children being placed in foster homes where they can grow into emotionally strong, confident, and responsible adults.  We need more foster parents, persons who are morally sound, financially stable, and have a warm, loving home that they can provide the type of nurturing environment that the child or children deserve,” Adams-Thomas told the audience.