Jamaica recorded more than 14,600 reports of child abuse and care concerns in 2025, marking a five per cent increase over the previous year, according to new data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
The figures, published in the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on June 30, show that the National Children’s Registry (NCR) received 14,602 reports last year, compared with 13,918 reports in 2024.
The report noted that the number of abuse incidents recorded was significantly higher than the number of reports, with 31,591 incidents documented in 2025.
The most common categories included behavioural problems, neglect and cases involving children requiring care and protection.
Behavioural concerns accounted for the largest number of incidents at 7,835 cases, involving 4,168 females and 3,667 males.
Neglect was the second-largest category, with 6,777 incidents recorded, including 3,563 females and 3,214 males.
Cases classified as a need for care and protection accounted for 5,872 incidents, involving 3,331 females and 2,541 males.
“The reports of abuse received, when assessed by incident type, are usually greater than the total number of reports received,” the PIOJ said.
Of the reports received, investigations were completed into 11,723 cases, with 10,649 referred to internal and external agencies, including the Investigation Services Unit (ISU), the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), and the Victim Services Division.
Kingston leads in reported cases
Kingston accounted for the largest share of reports referred for investigation, representing 20 per cent of cases.
St. Catherine followed with 16 per cent, while St. Ann accounted for 10 per cent.
The ISU received 12,737 reports in 2025, representing a two per cent increase compared with the previous year.
The unit completed investigations into 11,723 cases and submitted 12,000 updates on investigation outcomes to the NCR. As of December 31, the ISU had a remaining caseload of 2,359 cases.
Sexual abuse cases remain a major concern
The ISU also handled 673 cases referred by CISOCA, including 568 sexual abuse cases, 19 physical abuse cases, 27 behavioural cases and 59 other cases involving issues such as neglect, abandonment and financial concerns.
The latest figures highlight the continued challenges facing Jamaica’s child protection system as agencies work to respond to rising reports of abuse, strengthen investigations and ensure vulnerable children receive necessary care and protection.
caribbeannationalweekly.com
