Help for hurting families

In a release, the ministry said it 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.

Support services are also provided for children with behavioural problems (with parental support), grief and bereavement, family dysfunction, relationship/marital discord, elderly abuse, crisis intervention resulting from natural disasters, and fatal accidents.

The division is staffed by a cadre of highly-skilled and trained professionals, the release said. 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. The National Family Services Division can be reached at 794-7483 or 784-5538.

Psychosocial support is also available at ChildLine on 800- 4321 within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and the Children’s Authority on 800 – 2014 or 996 - 2014.

They facilitate a 24-hour help line for children and persons up to 25 years to discuss personal and privates issues with trained counsellors, take part in outreaches, educational and information fairs/events in communities and schools, and serve as the National Student Hotline for the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Gender Affairs Unit of the OPM.

Counselling and psychosocial support services are also provided by Families in Action on 628-6333. It also manages the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800- 7283 (SAVE) on a 24-hour basis.

Others include the Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago on 627- 7273 (North Office), 657-5355 (South Office), Trinidad and Tobago Innovative Parenting Support on 664-1520, and Lifeline Trinidad and Tobago on 645-2800 or life@lifelinett.

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