LISA HANNA: 'They're Sick' - Hanna Says Many Of Nation's Children Have Mental Disorders

Lisa Hanna

Youth Minister Lisa Hanna says a large number of children with behavioural problems are afflicted by various mental conditions and the change in the legislation to decriminalise those deemed 'uncontrollable' would allow the Ministry of Youth and Culture to administer specific interventions.

Hanna, who was speaking at a Gleaner Editors' Forum last Friday, revealed that her ministry had engaged a group of psychiatrists, who will be assisting in assessing and recommending appropriate interventions for children who have been placed in state care for behavioural problems.

According to the youth minister, "over a third of juveniles in detention centres were there for uncontrollable behaviour".

With the change in legislation that is to come shortly, she said those children deemed 'uncontrollable' will be removed to a special facility that is to be established, where they would be assessed by a council of psychiatrists who would recommend the appropriate intervention. read more...