FINDING COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS

On 24 May 2018, the Office of the Prime Minister hosted the second collaborative meeting between the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) 

and the Children’s Homes Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT). The event took place at the International Waterfront Complex, Tower D, and included 

over fifteen (15) Community Residences from across Trinidad & Tobago.

The Director of CATT and chairman of the meeting, Ms. Safiya Noel stated that these joint stakeholder meetings are geared towards increasing the dialogue 

among  our  stakeholders  especially  our  Community  Residences  who  play a  pivotal  role  in  safeguarding  our  children. The Authority  highlighted  the 

amendment  in  the ‘designation of licences’ for Children’s Residences (Children’s Homes) Regulations 2018 under the Children’s Community Residences, 

Foster Care and Nurseries Act Chap. 46:04 to provide temporaryand conditional licence and not solely to designate full licences which is a lengthy and exhaustive 

process. Additionally the timeframe for fulfilling the CR licence requirement is  to be lengthened within the legislative Regulations.

Based on comments and presentations made by the representatives of the Children’s Homes Association of Trinidad & Tobago, the Children’s Authority of

 Trinidad  & Tobago agreed  to  work  on  strengthening  the  ‘transitional and reintegration processes’ for  children  placed  in  the Communality Residences. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  placement and  monitoring system  will  be  reviewed  and  restructured to  create  a  more  effective   and   collaborative  process.

 Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minster (Gender & Child Affairs), Ms. Jacqueline Johnson also shared a strategy currently being implemented 

to ensure that Children receive optimum continuum of care within the Community Residences. She also spoke of the strategy being adopted by the Minister of State,

 the Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy to have key stakeholder Ministries and agencies play an active and involved role in the delivery of services to the nation’s children. 

In conclusion, the Licensing and Monitoring process and the Administrative Policies that govern the Care of Children presenting challenges which will continue 

to be addressed collaboratively in future meetings.