Registrar at the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR), Greig Smith, says there needs to be a collaborative approach toward child protection.

He says investing in child protection, health, well-being and development is beneficial, as this will result in positive outcomes for children and the society.

Mr. Smith notes that although there are changes being made in the legislation and budget allocations are being made to essential services, the onus falls on every Jamaican to do what is necessary to protect children.

Based on data from the OCR, from 2007 through to December 2015, 67,889 cases of child abuse, neglect and missing children have been recorded, assessed and referred to the OCR’s partners.

Preliminary data shows that for the period, January to December 2015, thirteen thousand, nine hundred and forty eight reports of child abuse, neglect and missing children reports which represent an increase of 18.7% per cent in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Mr. Smith posits that these figures are alarming, and the OCR, Child Development Agency, the Office of the Children’s Advocate, the Center from Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse and the government cannot do it alone.

Mr. Smith notes that no one sector can work in isolation and child protection is an area that requires an integrated approach across family welfare, health, education and justice.

He was speaking at the National Child Month committee’s media launch in Kingston, yesterday.