GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

of theMinistry of Social Development

and Family Services

A GUIDE TO

Social Programmesand Services

PART 2: PROGRAMMES

The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) is the lead social sector institution charged with addressing the challenges of poverty, social inequality and social exclusion.

The Ministry has the pivotal role in providing the country’s safety net to protect the elderly, persons with disabilities, children and other vulnerable populations in society. Further, we

regard the strengthening and supporting of families as key components of social policy that enable long-term solutions to issues such as poverty, crime, domestic violence and child abuse, to name a few.

We are also committed to developing and sustaining a more resilient society by collaborating with other social service organisations to promote service excellence while improving the social delivery system for enhanced living standards and overall wellbeing.

As you use this Guide to Social Services (Part 2), may you learn more about our programmes and services, and be encouraged to share this information with others. We welcome your feedback via messages to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Also log on to our website – www.social.gov.tt to stay updated on information and events taking place at the Ministry. We look forward to partnering with you to help, empower and transform lives.

Hon. Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-CockburnMinister of Social Development and Family Services

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Ministry of Social Developmentand Family Services

Contents

PROGRAMMES• Adult Education Programme...............................................1• Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme (G.A.P.P)...........................................................2• National Social Development Programme (NSDP)............4• Retiree Adolescent Partnership Programme (R.A.P.P)......6• Sowing Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED)................................7• Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programme - (Piparo Empowerment Centre).........................................8 -(New Horizons Centre)....................................................10

SERVICES FOR:• The Aged............................................................................11• Persons With Disabilities................................................. 13• HIV / AIDS Awareness.......................................................14• Underprivileged Children..................................................15• Supporting Healthy Functioning Families........................16• The Socially Displaced .....................................................17

STEP UP..........................................................................18

Quick Reference Check List.........................................19

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMEThe Adult Education Programme (AEP) provides a second

chance to persons fifteen (15) years and over, to fully participate in the world of work/entrepreneurship.

This educational programme targets adults or out-of-school youth, who have not graduated from secondary school, to further their education. Opportunities are available in thirty (30) N.E.C Level 1 courses, in basic skills development, literacy & numeracy and leisure programmes.

It also utilises a remedial education model, aimed at enabling students to successfully write the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations. Literacy Programmes, are included and place focus on tackling illiteracy problems through new initiatives in educational planning and development.

The AEP comprises National Examination Council courses (Over 30 courses) which include but is not limited to: Garment Construction, Food Preparation, Tailoring, Plumbing, Electrical installation, etc.

Who Qualifies?• Persons (Youths 15 years and over or adults) who have not been able to complete secondary level education or fully participate in the world of work/entrepreneurship.

Requirements to enrol• Persons must be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.• Persons must be at least 15 years of age. • Person must possess a National Identification Card (ID Card), Driver’s Permit or Passport.

For more information, please contactThe Adult Education Programme Unit

Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 1241 & 1242or call 800-1MSD (1673)

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GAPP is an intensive, short-term, Intergenerational Training Programme, designed to sensitize young men and women (17– 35 years) to the ageing process and prepare them, through training and field visits, to develop practical skills and values toward a professional approach to working with and supporting the ageing population (seniors).

The programme comprises two levels: Level One and Level Two and has three (3) components, namely, Classroom sessions, Assessments and Institutional Placement or Private Home Placement coupled with continuous supervision and monitoring. Trainees are actively engaged in classroom sessions at Levels 1 and 2. They are also supervised in field placements in private homes and institutional settings in the community where they are continuously assessed in various elements of caregiving.

Level One: Target Age 17 – 30 yearsStructure: (16 weeks – 80 days). Sessions comprise the following Subject Areas: Nutrition and Home Management, Nursing Aide Skills and Health Promotion, Life Skills, Literacy and Numeracy. Elective Sessions include: Fit for Life, Financial Management, Parenting and Guest lectures.

Level Two: Target Age – 18 - 35Structure: 18-week programme (90 Days), Sessions comprise Lectures / Demonstrations / Role Playing etc. Includes a 2-week Practicum where trainees are placed in private homes and institutions and continually supervised, assessed and monitored. Certificates of completion are presented at a formal graduation exercise.

GERIATRIC ADOLESCENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME

(G.A.P.P)The Geriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme

(GAPP) is a Programme of the National Service Division and was launched in 1993/1994, aimed at

inculcating discipline in our young people through training/service in geriatric care. In November

1997, a Placement Agency component was officially launched.

Services provided to the elderly / incapacitated are:• Assistance with activities of daily living, e.g. personal hygiene, nutrition, safety• Assistance with medical appointments• Companionship, assistance with medication, rehabilitation activities, among other things.

Who Qualifies?• Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago• Unskilled and unemployed young persons between the ages 17-35 with an interest in elderly care;• Managers of Homes for Older Persons who are interested in improving their Agency’s capacity for service delivery.

The Programme offers a stipend of sixty dollars ($60.00) per day (five (5) days per week) to all participants, for each day attended.

PLACEMENT AGENCY and CAREGIVER SERVICEThe Placement Agency’s purpose is to assist in the job placement of graduates of GAPP as caregivers in private homes and/or institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. The Caregivers are graduates of GAPP who have successfully completed the Level 1 and 2 Courses.Examples of services to be provided to the elderly / incapacitated are: • Assistance with activities of daily living, e.g. personal hygiene, nutrition, safety • Assistance with medical appointments • Companionship, assistance with medication, rehabilitation activities, etc.• Professional support to and monitoring of the caregiver and client.

Caregivers are paid a monthly stipend.

The Programme offers a stipend of sixty dollars ($60.00) per day (five (5) days per week) to all participants,

for each day attended.

For more information, please contactGeriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme Unit

Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 1281 & 1282or call 800-1MSD (1673)

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GAPP is an intensive, short-term, Intergenerational Training Programme, designed to sensitize young men and women (17– 35 years) to the ageing process and prepare them, through training and field visits, to develop practical skills and values toward a professional approach to working with and supporting the ageing population (seniors).

The programme comprises two levels: Level One and Level Two and has three (3) components, namely, Classroom sessions, Assessments and Institutional Placement or Private Home Placement coupled with continuous supervision and monitoring. Trainees are actively engaged in classroom sessions at Levels 1 and 2. They are also supervised in field placements in private homes and institutional settings in the community where they are continuously assessed in various elements of caregiving.

Level One: Target Age 17 – 30 yearsStructure: (16 weeks – 80 days). Sessions comprise the following Subject Areas: Nutrition and Home Management, Nursing Aide Skills and Health Promotion, Life Skills, Literacy and Numeracy. Elective Sessions include: Fit for Life, Financial Management, Parenting and Guest lectures.

Level Two: Target Age – 18 - 35Structure: 18-week programme (90 Days), Sessions comprise Lectures / Demonstrations / Role Playing etc. Includes a 2-week Practicum where trainees are placed in private homes and institutions and continually supervised, assessed and monitored. Certificates of completion are presented at a formal graduation exercise.

Services provided to the elderly / incapacitated are:• Assistance with activities of daily living, e.g. personal hygiene, nutrition, safety• Assistance with medical appointments• Companionship, assistance with medication, rehabilitation activities, among other things.

Who Qualifies?• Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago• Unskilled and unemployed young persons between the ages 17-35 with an interest in elderly care;• Managers of Homes for Older Persons who are interested in improving their Agency’s capacity for service delivery.

The Programme offers a stipend of sixty dollars ($60.00) per day (five (5) days per week) to all participants, for each day attended.

PLACEMENT AGENCY and CAREGIVER SERVICEThe Placement Agency’s purpose is to assist in the job placement of graduates of GAPP as caregivers in private homes and/or institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. The Caregivers are graduates of GAPP who have successfully completed the Level 1 and 2 Courses.Examples of services to be provided to the elderly / incapacitated are: • Assistance with activities of daily living, e.g. personal hygiene, nutrition, safety • Assistance with medical appointments • Companionship, assistance with medication, rehabilitation activities, etc.• Professional support to and monitoring of the caregiver and client.

Caregivers are paid a monthly stipend.

The Programme offers a stipend of sixty dollars ($60.00) per day (five (5) days per week) to all participants,

for each day attended.

For more information, please contactGeriatric Adolescent Partnership Programme Unit

Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 1281 & 1282or call 800-1MSD (1673)

GERIATRIC ADOLESCENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (G.A.P.P)

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The Programme was established to ensure that needy citizens throughout the country have access in their homes to a supply of pipe borne water and electricity, improved sanitary plumbing facilities and dwelling conditions and to assist in the provision of simple, useful recreational facilities in underdeveloped communities of Trinidad and Tobago.The National Social Development Programme provides:• House wiring (material and labour) to individuals and families;• Material and/or labour for minor house repairs;• Assistance to purchase material for sanitary plumbing.

1. Minor House Repair AssistanceIt is important that the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago live under habitable conditions. The Minor House repair Assistance will provide persons with assistance in roof repairs and other minor structural repairs to their homes. Cost of approved materials to a limit of $15,000.00 under normal circumstance and $20,000 in the event of a disaster payable directly to the supplier / hardware.

2. Materials for Sanitary Plumbing AssistanceNational development makes it imperative that more modern and hygienic toilet practices and standards for our citizens are encouraged. Assistance will be provided to citizens to purchase materials based on an assessment of individual circumstances. Cost of approved materials to a limit of $15,000.00 is payable directly to the supplier / hardware.

3. House Wiring AssistanceThis component of the NSDP is designed to provide access to electricity supply to individuals & families. Community facilities may also benefit from this service at the discretion of the Ministry. Assistance in this area may fall into one of three (3) main categories:

a. First Time Wiring – This includes persons who are and have been occupying an existing abode but have not had such dwelling previously wired as well as new construction.

NATIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NSDP)

The National Social Development Programme (NSDP) is a social intervention that seeks to improve the standard of living

conditions of citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, through the provision of basic infrastructure for essential utility

services.

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b. Rewiring – Applicable in instances where the existing electrical wiring is old and faulty and may pose fire risks. It therefore seeks to improve the safety and reliability of existing electrical installations.First Time Wiring and Rewiring services will offer one time assistance with materials and labour which together shall not exceed a cost of $25,000.00

c. Materials Only Assistance - Cost of approved materials to a limit of $15,000.00 payable directly to the supplier / hardware.

NOTE: This facility is NOT provided for commercial enterprises.

Who Qualifies:• Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who can present proof of ownership via a land deed or letter of authorisation or non-objection• Victims of natural or man-made disasters

Criteria / Documents Required• Eligibility for the grants will be determined through the application of a Standard Means Test, except in instances of disaster.• Valid National Identification Card• Birth Certificate• Proof of Address: Recent Utility Bill• Proof of Income for all applicable members of the household – Job Letter/Payslip/Bank Statement, NIS letter, etc.• Proof of home ownership → Land Deed / Certificate of Comfort / Land Tax Receipt in the applicant’s name → Letter of Authorization from the Land/House owner along with copies of the ownership documents and the owner’s national identification → Non Objection Letter from the Land Settlement Agency• Disaster Victims Only: Fire Report / Letter from Regional Corporation.

For more information, please contactNational Social Development Programme

623-2608 ext. 1431, 1433, 1437or call 800-1MSD (1673)

NATIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NSDP)

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The programme seeks to ensure that by working together, young persons and retirees will impact positively on the quality of life of each other, and by extension, their communities. There are Five (5) RAPP Centres in operation at: Couva, Belmont, La Horquetta, Valencia and Laventille. Plans are underway to expand the number of RAPP centres.

Key Programme Structure/Content: Classroom Sessions are held in groups or on a one-on-one basis where required.• Remedial - English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Computer etc. • Life Skills - Communication, Ethics, Self Esteem Etiquette, Empowerment, Time Management • Culture - Music, Drama, Arts, Crafts • Sports – Basketball, Football, Netball, Cricket • Games - Scrabble, Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Chess

Process for enrolment• Young persons must complete a "Youth Participation" application form and have it signed by their parent/guardian. An application form may be obtained from any RAPP Centre or via the Ministry’s website www.social.gov.tt

• Retirees must complete a "Facilitator" application form. An application form may be obtained from any RAPP Centre or via the Ministry’s website www.social.gov.tt

Who Qualifies?Young persons must be recommended by a teacher or community leader and must be:• At least 9 years of age but not older than 21 years of age.• Persons from disadvantaged home environments.• Students who are left unsupervised after school hours parents/guardians are at work or otherwise unavailable• Persons who have dropped out of the school system.

For More Information, please contactRetiree Adolescent Partnership Programme Unit

Telephone: 621-3554

RETIREE ADOLESCENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (R.A.P.P)

RAPP is a community-oriented programme which seeks to utilize the skills and experience of retired professionals to provide assistance and supervision for young persons between the ages of 9-21 years.

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SOWING EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT (SEED)

The (SEED) Programme provides financial assistance to vulnerable individuals who are in difficult social and economic circumstances, but are

willing to undertake a small business venture or engage in skills training for greater employment and income generation opportunities.

This initiative provides for clients to:• Establish or expand a micro project (small business) venture;• Develop competencies and skills through training, which will enhance their chances for employment or self-employment and income generation.

Who Qualifies?• Citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago;• Persons 18 years or over;• Unemployed persons from economically vulnerable households, with an interest in business and who have a business idea and are willing to develop a small business;• Persons willing and able to undergo training to develop competencies and skills which will enhance their chances for employment or self-employment and income generation.

NOTE: All applicants MUST undergo a Standard Means Test (SMT)

Qualifying Applicants may access up to a Maximum of $15,000.00 to establish or expand a Micro Business and access Training.

For More Information, please contactSowing Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Development

(SEED) Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 1437 & 1433

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The Centre utilises the Therapeutic Community (TC) Model and provides treatment in three stages;Stage I – Admission/Induction/Early Treatment (Approximately 30 days)Stage II – Primary Treatment (Approximately 7 to 10 months) Stage III – Re-Entry (Approximately 1-2 months)

Intake Assessments are done on Wednesdays between 9:00am and 3:00pm

Who Qualifies?• Citizens and residents of Trinidad and Tobago – males who are eighteen (18) years and older;• Socially displaced individuals who voluntarily seek treatment or who are referred by the Social Displacement Unit (SDU);• Chronic substance abusers who have had several failed attempts at rehabilitation; • Individuals with no pending legal matters;• Individuals who are in good physical health, as evidenced by results of mental health status and TB and HIV tests.

NOTE: The potential client MUST first be assessed by the intake team and would ONLY be admitted to the PEC if he passes the assessment interview (this is also applicable to persons mandated by the Court)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

(PIPARO EMPOWERMENT CENTRE)

The Piparo Empowerment Centre (PEC) is a treatment centre that provides live-in rehabilitation services to male substance

abusers over a nine (9) to twelve(12) month period.

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The Potential Client MUST present the following:• A form of photo ID (ID card/Drivers Permit/Passport)• 2 Passport sized photos• A detailed report of his psychiatric history, appointment cards, referral letters and prescribed medication (Applicable to psychiatric clients)

Additional RequirementsThe potential client is required to:•Seek medical care for any open wounds, rashes or fungal infections and ensure that they are healed BEFORE seeking entry to the PEC.• Be accompanied by at least one person who would be willing to act as his support throughout his stay at the PEC• Along with persons accompanying him, adhere to the PEC’s dress code. Special consideration is given to persons with a disability and are interested in recovery from drug abuse.

For More Information, please contactPiparo Empowerment Centre

Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 3000 - 3004OR Telephone: 656-0764 / 656-0797

or call 800-1MSD (1673)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

(PIPARO EMPOWERMENT CENTRE)

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The core functions of this Centre are to:• Provide temporary shelter and 24-hour care to former street dwellers;• Provide rehabilitation interventions which would include counselling, advice, assessments, referrals and family support to the residents of the shelter;• Provide skill and retraining programmes in order to help increase self-esteem and self-sufficiency; and• Provide recreational activities in order to improve health and quality of life of the residents so as to assist them to better function in society.

For More Information, please contactNew Horizons Centre

Telephone: 623-2608 ext. 5707 or call 800-1MSD (1673)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

(NEW HORIZONS CENTRE)The Centre provides viable alternatives to street dwelling to meet the

long term care and rehabilitation needs of the socially displaced.

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SERVICESSERVICES FOR THE AGED

(Older Persons Information Centre)

The Ministry’s Division of Ageing (DOA)provides services and support to the ageing population of Trinidad and Tobago. Focus is placed on ageing initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago and on educating and sensitising key stakeholders and the general public on ageing issues, as well as enhancing the quality of life of older persons.

Among the functions, initiatives and services provided by the DOA:• Standards of care for Older Persons Homes and compliance with set standards;• Monitor and coordinate the implementation of the National Policy on Ageing;• Organize and coordinate training programmes, seminars and workshops for care providers of older persons;• Develop and implement programmes and projects for the benefit of older persons;• Conduct research on matters pertaining to ageing and older persons;• Conduct nationwide public sensitization programmes on ageing issues; • Operate an Older Persons Information Centre (Help Desk) to provide information on products and services available to older persons; and• Network with social-sector Ministries, the private sector, and civil society to develop and coordinate the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ageing.

SERVICES SERVICES FOR THE AGED

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Older Persons Information Centre (OPIC)The Older Persons Information Centre (OPIC) serves as a referral mechanism within the Division of Ageing, linking the elderly with key services available to them through both public and private agencies.

Through OPIC, the following are provided:• Information on inquiries about Homes for the Aged;• Information on abuse cases regarding the elderly and appropriate referrals are made for assistance and monitored accordingly;• Referrals to providers of medical equipment and services;• Access to Caregivers and other similar services;• Information on legislation related to older persons; and• Contact information for services related to older persons.

For More Information please contactThe Older Persons Information Centre (OPIC)

Hotline 800-OPIC (6742)

SERVICES FOR THE AGED

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SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Disability Affairs Unit promotes programmes, practices and attitudes which facilitate the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all spheres of life.

The following initiatives are pursued in support of persons with disabilities:• Co-ordinate, develop and monitor implementation of the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities;• Advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities;• Provision of technical support and referral for persons with disabilities, their families and all other persons interested in learning about disabilities;• Evaluation of requests for assistance from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and individuals;• Networking with pertinent NGOs, mass media and international organisations to collect and disseminate information on disabilities;• Implementing programmes that empower persons with disabilities;• Sensitising and increasing public awareness of issues pertaining to persons with disabilities; and • Conducting research and collect data on persons with disabilities.

Persons interested in accessing information (e.g. Revised Draft Green Paper on Persons with Disabilities )

in Brail Copy may contact the Disability Affairs Unit of the Ministry at 623-1983 or 623-2608 ext. 1153 / 1156

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HIV / AIDS AWARENESS

The HIV Co-ordinating Unit functions under the umbrella of the National AIDs Coordinating Committee of the Office of the Prime Minister to address the overarching goals of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS within the Ministry of Social development and Family Services.

The core functions of this Unit are to:• Strengthen the implementation and coordinating capacity of the Ministry with regard to HIV/AIDS related activities;• Facilitate the development of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Material and other Behaviour Change Communication (BCG) strategies on HIV/AIDS;• Promote opportunities for streamlining advocacy efforts on HIV and AIDS among staff as well as among external stakeholders and clients;• Coordinate programmes for the delivery of HIV and AIDS education services internally (staff) and externally (the Ministry’s clients); • Develop a robust research agenda on those infected and affected by HIV with focus on; - The Impact of HIV on vulnerable populations - Psychosocial issues • Facilitate the implementation of the HIV Workplace Policy within the Ministry.

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Services provided:

Educational

Nutrition

Child development

Parenting

Public / Community involvement & collaboration

• ECCE Nursery • Provides ECCE stimulation for 3-5 year olds daily.

• Provides meals inclusive of breakfast, lunch and snacks for children.

• Provides a range of development services and early childhood stimulation for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

• Provides a limited amount of workshop activities for parents as it relates to their children’s development.

• Facilitates wider public service and community involvement, such as volunteerism, working with UWI, UTT and OJT personnel in caring for children.

This is a government-funded pre-school facility that serves the underprivileged ‘at risk’ children in the Couva area and environs.

SERVICES FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDRENThe Interdisciplinary Child Development Centre (ICDC) in

Couva was established as a pilot project of the Ministry of Health to mark the International Year of the Child, 1979.

Who Qualifies?• Vulnerable families faced with parenting issues and issues related to providing for their families• Persons faced with challenges, including nutritional deprivation etc;• Single parent or guardian, households, especially in cases where guardians are grand-parents with over five children under twelve years of age;.

Documentation for Eligibility• Completed application form (preferably in person);• Birth Certificate and /or Affidavit• I.D. Card

For More Information, please contactInter-Disciplinary Child Development Centre

Telephone: 636-3605or call 800-1MSD (1673)

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SERVICES TO SUPPORT HEALTHY

FUNCTIONING FAMILIES

The National Family Services Division (NFSD) is the primary institution in Trinidad and Tobago that provides a range of social work interventions to promote healthy family functioning.

The National Family Services Division (NFSD) provides counselling services and psychosocial support to the family unit in order to assist in enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the family.The following family issues/challenges are addressed: • Abuse/Incest• Domestic Violence• Marital Problems• Depression• Parenting• Family Life• Drug Abuse• Life Crises• Behavioural Issues• Financial Issues

Programmes and services provided include:• Community Workshops• Parenting Skills• Violence in the Family• Support for Parents and Caregivers of Children

Rehabilitation Services for Families, Individuals & Children through:• Counselling Services• Networking and Collaboration• Mediation Services

For More Information, please contactNational Family Services Division Head Office

Telephone: 623-2608 exts. 6700 - 6706

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SERVICES FOR THE SOCIALLY DISPLACED

The Social Displacement Unit monitors a network of treatment and rehabilitation alternatives that would empower socially displaced persons (including street dwellers) and facilitate their reintegration into society.

The core functions and services include:• Provision of rehabilitation programmes and services to the socially displaced;• Provision of information and advice on policies and programmes for socially displaced persons;• Developing and coordinating rehabilitation programmes and services for socially displaced persons;• Coordinating public sensitization campaigns on the socially displaced; • Networking with local, regional and international agencies; and• Monitoring and evaluating services and programmes for the socially displaced.

For More Information, please contactThe Social Displacement Unit

Telephone: 623-2608 ext. 5705

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STEP UPSocial Transformation and Empowerment

Programme-Uplifting People

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According to Vision 2030 (Pg. 41), policies must focus on the welfare and well-being of citizens and the improvement of their living standards. More importantly, according to Vision 2030, these policies must translate into a better quality of life for all citizens. It is therefore clear that an effective social protection framework must seek to strengthen the capacity of communities, households and individuals to overcome their vulnerability by protecting their living standards and promoting the investment needed for building resiliency.

STEP UP is essentially a programme of psychosocial support designed to facilitate the required work with economically challenged and other vulnerable families experiencing psychosocial barriers, which prevent such families from achieving their fullest potential. A family caseworker will be assigned to provide continuous psychosocial support over a period of thirty months, inclusive of a six-month period for after care. STEP UP is a process where short term assistance in the form of grants are combined with developmental programmes (re-education, life skills, training and other skill enhancing tools, micro enterprise opportunities) over a period not exceeding two years to effect the desired change in participating families and facilitate their graduation out of welfare and into sustainable livelihood.

The caseworker would adopt a holistic approach when working with the family ensuring that certain minimum conditions in healthcare, housing, safety and security and the relationship within the family are examined and addressed if found lacking.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE CHECK LISTSOCIAL ASSISTANCE CHECK LISTGRANTFood Support

Senior Citizens Pension

Disability Assistance Grant

Public Assistance Grant

National Social Development Programme (NSDP)• Electrical Wiring• Sanitation Units• Roof Repairs

Sowing Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Development (SEED)

REQUIREMENTS• Birth Certificate (and Affidavit where necessary)• I.D. Card• Passport (where necessary)• Personal declaration of income (form provided at Local Board Office)• Recent cheque stub from Social Assistance Grants (e.g. Disability Assistance Grant, Public Assistance Grant, Senior Citizens’ Pension, if applicable)• Job letters, pay slips and NIS numbers, if employed• Recent savings statement from a bank, credit union or other financial institution such as the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation• Rent receipt, if a tenant• Mortgage statement, if applicable• Proof of property rental, if a landlord• Land tax receipt, if a land owner

• 65 years & over• Birth Certificate (and Affidavit where necessary)• I.D. Card• Passport (where necessary)• Bank Passbook/Recent Bank Statement• Marriage Certificate (where applicable)

• I.D. Card• Passport (where necessary)• Birth Certificate (and Affidavit where necessary) • Previous and current passports• Completed Medical Form approved by a Government Medical Officer

• Birth Certificate (and Affidavit where necessary)• Passport (where necessary) • I.D. Card (of applicant) • Bank Passbook/Recent Bank Statement • Marriage Certificate (where applicable) • Child’s birth Certificate (where applicable) • Death Certificate (where applicable)• Doctor’s Certificate (where applicable)

• I.D. Card• Copy of deed/deed of comfort• Utility bill• Job letter• Estimate from hardware• Other supporting documents if required

• Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago• 18 years or over• Unemployed persons who have a business idea and desire to start a business• Existing small business owners who are considered vulnerable

SOCIAL WELFARELOCAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BOARD OFFICES

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTAND FAMILY SERVICES

Head Office: CL Financial Building, 39-43 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain.Tel: 623-2608 • Fax: 623-8496 • www.social.gov.tt

A PUBLICATION OF THE CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION UNITOF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SERVICES

THIS PUBLICATION IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A REFERENCE GUIDEAS CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES

OF EACH APPLICATION.

MTS Plaza, Aranguez Road, Aranguez623-2608 Ext. 1602 - 1607

107 Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna(opposite Royal Castle)623-2608 Ext. 1702 - 1714

Eleanore Street, Chaguanas623-2608 Ext. 2102 - 2107and 6200 - 6203

Penal Social Services Centre27b Penal Rock Road, Penal623-2608 ext. 6602 & 2802-2805

11 Richardson Street, Mahaica, Pt. Fortin623-2608 Ext 2630-2640and 6000 - 6003

Tam Building, Glen Road, Scarborough, Tobago 639-2673

Lot 11 Naparima Mayaro Road, Rio Claro623-2608 Ext. 2502 - 2507

Omardeen Building, 59-61 Cipero Street,Gooding Village, San Fernando623-2608 Ext. 2302 - 2322

Marlsons Building, 97 High Street,Princes Town623-2608 Ext. 2402 - 2408 & 6500 - 6503

Corner Richmond and Duke Street,Port of Spain623-2608 Ext. 1000 - 1004 & 5900 - 5903

Corner Savi Street and Boodooville Circular, Sangre Grande623-2608 Ext 1902 - 1908and 1950 - 1951