The Office of the Children’s Advocate, will be conducting deeper investigations into critical incident cases, at private and public child care facilities, in the wake of reports by Jamaicans for Justice.

Yesterday, the JFJ launched an initiative to conduct a study into conditions at children’s homes, with a view to address needed improvements.

The JFJ also revealed findings of a UNICEF situation analysis, where incidents to include sexual abuse, self-harming and attempted suicides, were examined over a 10 year period.

In an interview with Irie FM News this afternoon, Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison, says the analysis provided critical information to help with targeted intervention.

She says her office has requested that JFJ provide more information on the cases highlighted.

In the meantime, the OCA will be participating in the JFJ’s study, along with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency.

Mrs. Gordon Harrison says the study will facilitate a look at best practices and building out technical capacities.

Meantime, the Youth Ministry has been asked to provide details of the response, or action taken, with regards to critical incidents at public and private child care facilities, over the past 10 years.

State Minister for Youth, Floyd Green told Irie FM News, that the request was made following reports yesterday, of cases of sexual abuse, attempted suicides, and self-harm.

The incidents were highlighted in a UNICEF situation analysis, and were revealed during a function held by Jamaicans for Justice, to launch a study aimed at addressing improvement needs at children’s homes.

Mr. Green says, the reports and information from JFJ, will aid in the formulation of policy.

He says the ministry takes note of the JFJ’s report of a decline in incidents over the past 5 years, and efforts will be made to keep the trend going downward.

Mr. Green says, the soon to be appointed advisory council and board of visitors, will help, in this regard.