The Office of the Children’s Advocate is a Commission of Parliament mandated to enforce and protect the rights and best interests of children. The Office was established in 2006 under the Child Care and Protection Act (2004). The first Children’s Advocate was appointed in January 2006, and assumed her position in February 2006. After serving for approximately five (5) years, she demitted office and was succeeded by the second Children’s Advocate in 2012.

 

The OCA’s mission and vision statements reflect the mandate that has been entrusted by the Parliament to the Office. As a team, we are committed to enhancing the quality of services provided for, and treatment meted out to children in Jamaica. For this reason, our vision and mission statements encapsulate the desire that these objectives must coincide with reality in the near future.

 

Mission Statement 

We are committed to promote and protect the rights and best interests of children through vigilance, strategic partnerships and the provision of timely, efficient and quality service to all our clients.

 

Vision 

Children in Jamaica enjoy their rights to survival, development, protection and participation as well as consideration of their best interest at all times.

 

Mandate 

The Children’s Advocate is mandated to PROTECT and ENFORCE the RIGHTS of CHILDREN and PROMOTE their BEST INTERESTS at all times.