Justices of the peace (JPs) are being asked to play a greater role in helping suspended and displaced students reintegrate into the education system based on reports from school-safety officials that too many children are being pushed out of school without the requisite support to resolve conflicts.

Richard Troupe, director of the Ministry of Education’s Safety and Security in Schools Unit, said mentorship and support are critical to preventing vulnerable students from falling through the cracks following disciplinary action against them.

“We want to ensure that justice of the peace (JP) also has a role to play in providing support at the community level,” said Troupe, who was speaking during a Legal Aid Connection online forum hosted by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs under the theme 'Know the Law, Save a Child: Under-16 Sexual Offences and Bullying'.