On any given day, Laurette Adams-Thomas shoulders the responsibility of caring for Jamaica’s most vulnerable children. But she doesn’t see this as pressure; she sees it as her purpose.
“I believe I was called by God to be in this field,” says Adams-Thomas, the CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). Her journey didn’t start in a boardroom. It began in a high school classroom. After teaching, she moved abroad to find a job that matched her degree in human resource management. Instead, she ended up supervising group homes for children with various challenges.
“Back then, I thought I was just making a practical choice,” she said. “But working with those children changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to vulnerability and the need for advocacy.”
Her path took a significant turn when she became the first female general manager of The Golden Age Home in Kingston, Jamaica’s largest infirmary. For eight years, she led an institution serving over 450 residents, many facing severe challenges.
When she took the helm at CPFSA in October 2023, the agency was under heavy scrutiny. Adams-Thomas quickly began reforming the agency, tackling negative perceptions head-on. She launched a brand improvement strategy, improved therapeutic services, and enhanced monitoring of childcare facilities.
One notable innovation was the expansion of the Ananda Alert system, which now includes digital broadcasts for missing children in busy public areas. She also supported anti-bullying reforms, resulting in Governor General Patrick Allen declaring October 7 as National Anti-Bullying Day in Jamaica.
Adams-Thomas played a vital role in securing Jamaica’s inclusion in the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. She emphasizes that protecting children goes beyond just responding to reports. “Our work involves investigation, support, therapy, and, when necessary, policy reform,” she explains. “Child protection is an ongoing process, not a one-time action.”
Despite her focus on policies and programs, Adams-Thomas approaches her work with a maternal touch. “I may not be a biological mother, but I feel like a mother to many,” she says. Every decision she makes is guided by the question: “Does this protect a child? Does this give them a fair chance?”
Her advice to single parents is compassionate yet straightforward: “Make sure your children are safe and in school. If you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to your church, your child’s guidance counselor, or even us at CPFSA. Mental health is important; it affects how we parent.”
At home, her husband, an evangelist, provides unwavering support. “He’s my biggest supporter. He prays with me and reminds me of my purpose,” she shares.
Her guiding scripture, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” acts as her compass. It keeps her steady during challenging times. In the tough field of child protection, Adams-Thomas is more than just a leader; she’s fulfilling a calling.
Statistics support the urgent need for effective child protection strategies. According to a 2022 report by UNICEF, nearly 1 in 4 children experiences some form of violence annually. This highlights the essential nature of leaders like Adams-Thomas and the significant impact of her work in Jamaica and beyond.
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