The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPSFA) has expressed concerns about mental health issues among children who are victims of abuse.

Speaking at a virtual child protection forum on Wednesday, the agency’s CEO, Rosalee Gage-Grey, noted that there were more than 14,000 reports of child abuse in 2019.

“The psychological impact of violence and trauma that the children suffer as a result of the abuse they endure is causing a severe mental health issue among children in Jamaica, and requires a lot of clinical and medium- to long-term therapeutics,” Gage-Grey said.

The guest speaker, clinical psychologist Dr Kai Morgan, highlighted the impact of abuse on the brain, especially on the development of children.

The CPFSA also used the forum to advise parents to call or visit their office if they are having difficulty or experiencing issues with children, so that support can be offered.