Children’s Advocate: Society Must Address Underlying Causes That Could Lead to Child Crimes

Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, is calling for early intervention to tackle the underlying factors that could lead to children under 12-years-old committing serious crimes.

She was speaking on the Jamaicans for Justice, JFJ-produced show, Let’s Talk Justice, aired on Nationwide90fm on Monday.

Her comment follows a recent incident at a St Andrew-based primary school where an 11-year-old reportedly sexually assaulted his six-year-old schoolmate.

Under the Child Care and Protection Act, children under 12 are presumed to be incapable of criminal intent and are not subject to criminal prosecution.

Mrs Harrison says oftentimes, children are influenced by what they see and hear in their immediate surroundings.

Diahann Gordon Harrison, Children’s Advocate.

Meanwhile, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at the University of the West Indies, UWI Mona Campus, Dr. Clayton Sewell, says behavioural interventions can play a crucial role in preventing children under 12 from engaging in criminal activities.

Dr. Clayton Sewell, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at UWI Mona Campus.

He was also a guest on Let’s Talk Justice on Monday.