The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services wishes to advise the general public that counselling and psycho-social support are available to grieving families from its National Family Services Division, which is located at 95 -97 Frederick Street, Port of Spain (at the Law Association Bldg. opposite Elections and Boundaries Commission).
The Ministry continues to increase its efforts to reach out to hurting individuals and at risk families and has been partnering with various agencies that are also lending support to families and individuals who are victims of domestic violence, homicide, suicide, abuse and incest. In this regard, support services are also provided for:
- Behavioural Problems (children and adolescents) through parental support;
- Victims of Domestic Violence
- Victims of Grief and bereavement
- Dysfunctional Families
- Relationship/Marital discord
- Elderly abuse
- Crisis intervention resulting from natural disasters, fatal accidents
Staffed by a cadre of highly skilled and trained professionals who are guided by the ethical principles of the Social Work profession, the Division caters primarily to the needs of individuals and families in order to provide greater psychosocial support.
Family Services offices are located at the Ministry’s Social Welfare offices in Couva, Chaguanas, Tunapuna, San Juan, Arima, Princes Town, Rio Claro, San Fernando, Penal and Point Fortin. Persons may contact the National Family Services Division by calling: 794-7483 or 784-5538 or visit our various offices to receive free counselling and support.
Similar types of psychosocial support are provided through the following:
Families in Action – contact: 628-6333
- In person counselling
- 24-hour Hotline Counselling - Hotline:
- Parenting, youth, and domestic violence education
- Addictions screening and group support
- Group support for female survivors of domestic violence
- Manages the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800- 7283 (SAVE) Available: 24 hours
Older Persons Information Centre (OPIC) – 800-OPIC (6742)
Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Ground Floor, CL Financial Building, 39 – 43 St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.
- Receives information on abuse regarding the elderly and make appropriate referrals for assistance
- Supply contact information for services related to older persons
- Provide information on inquiries about Homes for the Aged
Office of the Prime Minister
ChildLine contact: 800-4321
- Facilitates a 24-hour helpline for children and young persons (up to age 25) to discuss personal and private’s issues with trained counsellors
- Participates in outreaches, educational and information fairs/events in communities and schools
- Also serves as the National Student Hotline for the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with OPM – Gender Affairs
Children’s Authority – 800-2014 or 996
- 24-hour hotline for the receipt of reports of child abuse.
- Provision of care and protection for any child (anyone under the age of 18 according to the Children Act 2012) who may be at risk of abuse or any child that is being abused.
- Investigation of reports to validate whether a child is in imminent danger and is in need of care and protection.
Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago: -
Contacts:
North Office: 627- 7273
8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
6:00 PM- 6:00 AM
South Office- 657-5355
8:15 AM- 4:15 PM
6:00 PM- 6:00 AM
- Provides counselling and support for victims of domestic violence and rape
- Individual and group counselling
- Walk-in services
- Educates public about sexual violence issues through outreach programmes
Trinidad and Tobago Innovative Parenting Support
Contact: 664-1520
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
- Parenting courses
- Affordable counselling services
- Parent empowerment groups
- Training workshops for parents
Lifeline Trinidad and Tobago
Contact: 645-2800, life@lifelinett.com
- 24 Hour Listening Service
- STOP (Student Outreach Programme) towards improved literacy for YTC
o Schools Outreach to students at high risk of being victims and/or perpetrators of violence and crime.
- The Kevin Fund - Lifeline’s newest project which supports persons who have been in YTC
- Partners for Peace - A group of organisations coming together to advocate for 10 cents in the Security $ for prevention of violence in communities.
Persons can also contact the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ Hotline at 800-1MSD for other family support needs.