Jamaica receives its first state-of-the-art nursery to aid the rehabilitation process within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn says “by providing incarcerated mothers with the opportunity to be close to their babies, we foster positive rehabilitation and give them a sense of purpose.”
She further added: “This initiative allows mothers to maintain strong family bonds, reduces recidivism and ultimately helps to reintegrate them into society as better individuals. This is what true reform looks like.”
The State Minister was speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the Nursery at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston earlier today (September 24).
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn noted that the construction of the nursery signals the government’s commitment to modernising the DCS and is in alignment with the National Correctional Services Policy.
“Objective 4, Strategy 1 and 2, of this Policy has laid the foundation for today’s achievement, calling for the establishment of staffing positions dedicated to women and children and the creation of specialised facilities that promote child development, even in a correctional setting,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn explained.
The construction of the state-of-the-art facility came at an estimated cost of over $13 million, which Minister Cuthbert-Flynn pointed out as an investment in the nation’s future.
Meanwhile, in expressing gratitude to the DCS for transforming her vision into reality, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn pointed out that the nursery will play a significant role in the long-term national security of the island.
“By focusing on rehabilitation and the nurturing of family ties, we are addressing the root causes of crime and creating a path towards safer communities”, she emphasised.
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