The Jamaican government is committed to addressing the underlying causes of anti-social behaviors and violent crime through a social investment framework.
Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, the Minister of National Security, emphasized this commitment during his keynote address at the International Social Care Services Social Work Conference. The event took place on Tuesday at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew.
Collaborative Citizen Security Plan
Minister Chang outlined the Administration’s Citizen Security Plan, which emphasizes collaboration and coordination among various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This collaborative effort aims to implement social intervention and crime-prevention programs in vulnerable communities.
Several MDAs, including the Ministries of Labour and Social Security, Education and Youth, Health and Wellness, and the HEART/NSTA Trust, are involved in this comprehensive approach.
Violence prevention initiative supported by USAID
One significant initiative under this framework is the ‘Violence Prevention in Targeted Vulnerable Communities and Schools in Jamaica’ Programme.
Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), this program targets crime and violence reduction in nine communities and 22 schools across Jamaica.
Inter-ministerial school support strategy
Additionally, an Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth, is underway.
This strategy aims to provide early and strategic interventions for at-risk students.
Case management services for students
As part of this strategy, Minister Chang highlighted the engagement of 300 students from 34 primary and high schools through case management services provided by the Ministry’s case managers.
He emphasized the importance of institutionalizing these case management processes as a central component of crime-prevention efforts.
Steady expansion of services
Minister Chang acknowledged that while there are currently 15 case managers on staff, efforts are underway to ensure steady and consistent expansion of these services to address the needs of more at-risk students effectively.
