JSC: Get destitutes off the street

Lamenting the high dropout rate from rehabilitation programmes, the report said people running this humanitarian effort must have the necessary legal standing to act in the best interest of the socially displaced and general public. “There have been several instances where street dwellers have confronted members of the public and inflicted physical and emotional injuries.

“As such, the implementation of legislation to allow for the involuntary removal and transfer of the socially displaced to appropriate care centres or facilities must be a priority for the ministry.” The report said that in seeking amendments to the Socially Displaced Persons Act, the line ministry must mull the costs and benefits of new provisions that allow for the “involuntary removal, transfer or confinement” of the socially displaced.

“Should the policy position be in favour of a coercive approach, the modified legislation must include the necessary special-majority formula and consultation with the necessary stakeholders.” The report also said that to reduce the drop-out rate from rehabilitation programmes, any changes to legislation should allow for the “safe and timely removal of street dwellers without consent.” The report said fresh laws will complement the monitoring of the rehabilitation of people who sometimes deliberately duck such help.

“As this cohort of persons are generally considered to be ‘care avoiders,’ an appropriate legal framework to facilitate involuntary treatment and rehabilitation may well be justifiable under the circumstances.” The report quoted the concerns of formermayor of Port-of-Spain Keron Valentine.

“The mayor lamented that it is difficult to keep the city clean and safe since some street dwellers are mentally ill and attack members of the public and litter the surroundings.” However, even as the report cited the Port-of-Spain City Council saying the removal of destitutes was not one of its core functions, other agencies such as the police, courts and St Ann’s Hospital also complained of not being able to cope with them.

The report decribed a situation of “passing the buck” amongst such agencies.

The JSC related that police report the difficulties of trying to apply the law to street dwellers.

In a five-month period in 2015-2016, some 29 street dwellers were arrested in San Fernando, causing overcrowding at St Ann’s Hospital.

“The Chief Medical Officer who was also present at the hearing confirmed the adverse impact such an influx of patients had on the hospital.” After most of this cohort were held for a month, they returned to the streets because they were homeless.

The committee hoped enactment of the Socially Displaced Persons Act (maybe amended) could remedy challenges with accommodating destitutes, in jail or hospital.