Robert Morgan, Minister with responsibility for Information
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Robert Morgan
By Racquel Porter
Minister with responsibility for Information Robert Morgan says all charities that engage with children's homes will be subjected to greater scrutiny.
Mr. Morgan said background checks will also be implemented.
The news follows the Office of the Children's Advocate's explosive report criticising Rosalee Gage Grey, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), after several wards were exposed to American donor Carl Robanske, who was punished for indecent involvement with a minor.
In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Minister Morgan accepted that many people contribute to children's homes - whether they are from overseas, the diaspora, local individuals or corporate entities - so the government would not shut down outside help.
But he admitted that since the Robanske matter came to light in 2021, the ministry has been trying to ensure the "vetting for charities to engage with homes [is] more robust".
Of the approximately 49 children's homes across Jamaica, only nine are operated by the government.
Minister Morgan revealed that the CPFSA is allocated $3.1 billion each year, which covers subventions for childcare facilities as well as staff payments.
He said a review of the CPFSA's management structure will be carried out following the report by the Office of the Children's Advocate (OCA).
Mr. Morgan commended the OCA for conducting a "very detailed investigation" and holding the CPFSA accountable for its relationship with Carl Robanske.
He said the government will now need to take the recommendations of the OCA "and try to implement them as soon as possible".
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