CPFSA opens two more child-friendly spaces

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has opened two new child-friendly spaces at its parish offices in St Ann and St James.

The additions, located in St Ann's Bay and Montego Bay respectively, bring to five the number of dedicated spaces now available to support children across the island. Child-friendly spaces are specially designed rooms that provide children in crisis situations with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. These spaces allow children to cope with stress, play, learn, and connect with peers and support services, while also offering psychosocial support, recreation, and provide vital links to care and protection services. By restoring a sense of normalcy, these spaces help to strengthen children's resilience and overall well-being.

CEO of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, welcomed the opening of the new spaces, opining that they mark another step forward in strengthening Jamaica's child protection framework.

"These spaces are far more than rooms with toys and books; they are intentional environments that allow children to feel safe, respected, and supported, particularly when they are experiencing difficult circumstances. Every child who interacts with our services deserves to do so in a setting that honours their dignity and supports their healing," she said.

Adams-Thomas added that the agency remains committed to widening the reach of these spaces across the island.

"Our vision is to see every parish equipped with at least one child-friendly space. We are steadily working towards this goal, ensuring that more children have access to environments where they can process their experiences in comfort and with professional support," she explained, before noting that these spaces are not limited to children in state care.

"These facilities are for any child who comes into contact with the CPFSA. Whether they are involved in legal proceedings, investigations, or simply require psychosocial support, we want to ensure that they have a safe and child-centred space to rely on," Adams-Thomas added.

She stated when children are interviewed in a child-friendly environment, they are better able to express themselves and share their experiences.

"The design of these spaces reduces anxiety, facilitates trust-building, and supports children's emotional well-being. From a psychosocial perspective, this is invaluable in helping children cope with trauma and begin their journey of recovery," Adams-Thomas said.

The two new spaces join others already in operation at: the CPFSA's St Mary parish office in Highgate; the National Children's Registry, St Andrew; and the Glenhope Nursery in Kingston.