The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is set to expand the number of State facilities that are equipped with sensory spaces to better cater to wards with special needs.

The facilities to be expanded are the Blossom Gardens Nursery and the Robins Nest Children’s Homes in St James, Glen Hope Nursery in Kingston, and Gift of Hope Children’s Home in Manchester.

“The spaces will provide children with a sanctuary where they can explore and express themselves, free
from judgment and external pressures,” said Laurette Adams-Thomas, chief executive officer at the CPFSA.

She outlined that the sensory spaces will allow children to develop the necessary coping skills while enhancing their self-esteem and overall well-being.

Adams-Thomas further added that the sensory spaces serve as a valuable resource for staff to understand the needs of each child under State care.

The Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston and Muirton Boys’ Home in Portland have already been provided with the necessary sensory spaces.

The sensory spaces are being provided at selected State care facilities through a partnership with the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU), as part of the public sector transformation programme.