‘Parents’ right to discipline without harm’

Do not look for government to meddle with parents disciplining their children, unless it is harmful to the minor. 

 

Addressing a Child Abuse Management Workshop yesterday, Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett stated that there was natural respect for the parent/guardian and child bond, but insisted that the state has the right to intervene for the general welfare of the child when there is a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare, or safety. 

 

“The state or government does not intend to interfere with reasonable parental discipline and child-raising practices that are not injurious to the child. However, it is the intent of the law that comprehensive protective services will be provided for abused, neglected, exploited, and abandoned children,” he argued.

 

Blackett insisted that child abuse management required a collective response as it was the village’s responsibility to protect children.

 

“Child abuse and neglect happen within and outside of the family unit. However, when parents do not protect children from harm and put them at risk of abuse or neglect, the community has a responsibility to intervene to protect the health and welfare of children. As members of our various communities we need to speak with one voice against child abuse and neglect. It is our collective responsibility. If and when we hear or see something, we must and should say something,” he noted.

 

The minister highlighted that a Draft Inter-agency Reporting Protocol or the Mandatory Reporting Protocol, commissioned by the Child Care Board was at his ministry awaiting further consideration; stating that this mandatory reporting protocol was another step or tool in the management of child abuse. 

 

The workshop was hosted by the Child Care Board in collaboration with the United Children’s Fund and was held at the Savannah Beach Hotel. (JMB)