Tobago’s new Community Residence for Children has been commissioned. The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday (August 23, 2018).

The residence will provide a safe home for 12 at-risk children, and is the first of its kind in Tobago. It was established according to the guidelines and standards of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Dr. Agatha Carrington said the centre is a key part of the Division’s thrust towards family development.

“The Executive Council agreed to this collaboration between the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the Division and through the directive of the Chief Secretary … we thought it was necessary to provide care and support for children in need,” Dr. Carrington said.

The Administrator of the Health Division, Dianne Baker-Henry, said the facility will open its doors to children with varied “experiences and backgrounds”.

“…It [is] an opportunity for each young child [at the Centre] to build or experience guidance and motivation to improve the quality of their life,” Baker-Henry said.