Mission
To provide Social Work geared towards: The resolution of individual & family problems; Enhancement of personal & social development; Alleviation of poverty; Empowerment & rehabilitation of the disabled, disadvantaged & those affected by crisis & natural disasters
Services
Family Services Programme
Under the Family Law Act, the Department has the responsibility to provide marital counselling and provide reports requested to guide decisions in matters concerning the welfare of the children. There is also a provision for Domestic Violence counseling
Types of problems for which help is given
- Maintenance of children
- Access and custody problems
- Behavioural problems of children
- Marital problems
- Other family problems
- Domestic violence
ASSISTANCE-IN-KIND provided are
- Clothing
- Dentures
- Spectacles
- Food vouchers (or arrangements with NGO’s for provision of hot meals
- Educational Assistance; school uniforms; payment of school fees
- Basic furnishings in event of emergencies
- Payment of house rent (private & NHC)
- Hearing aids
- Utilities payment (BLP & BWA)
- Bottled gas (Rubis)
- Pampers
National Assistance Programme
Assistance in cash and kind are provided on the basis of need in accordance with the National Assistance Act.
Financial Assistance is provided to the following categories of persons in need:
- Children
- Disabled persons (not receiving NISSS benefits)
- Unemployed adults
- Elderly persons who are not in receipt of a pensions of any source
(The rates at which grants are paid are determined by statutory provisions)
Casework and counseling Is available for
- Personal difficulties and relationship problems
- Families of persons who are terminally ill
- Care of the disabled
- Care of the aged
- Trust administration
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is available to persons needing legal assistance with domestic matters, but are unable to pay the usual legal costs.
Other ways to apply for national assistance
Persons should apply for assistance at the Welfare Office in the parish which he/she lives.
If disabled or ill, please telephone the Welfare Office, and the Welfare Officer will arrange a visit to your home.