The Youth Resilience, Inclusion and Empowerment project (Y-RIE) has again partnered with the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment to identify gaps in the service delivery of Saint Lucia’s social services referral systems and how they can be made more user friendly.

To this end, Social Transformation and Welfare Officers of the Ministry concluded a two-day training exercise where they assessed the strengths, weaknesses and interrelationships of the systems.

Referrals within social services play a critical role in ensuring vulnerable persons are directed to appropriate services or receive the necessary resources based on their needs.

“This will help us understand the opportunities to strengthen those services and how we can link existing stakeholders both at the community and national levels to improve those pathways. Therefore, someone in need of a particular service will be aware of the stages where they will receive support, and stakeholders will be aware of their roles in providing support to young people at risk,” said Y-RIE Program Manager for Saint Lucia, Ajani Lebourne.

Acting Deputy Director of Community Services, Kendal Elva, said the activity is vital to improving the work of Social Transformation Officers who are responsible for empowering young people.

“It is important for us to understand the services available that can help strengthen young people. When you are working with a young individual who has been affected by a number of issues, you need to get a clear understanding of their needs. When you respond to these needs you will be able to get a young person who can function properly in society,” Elva said.

Saint Lucia’s Referral Systems Assessment will address the structure and operations of social, health and justice services within agencies that provide such assistance to at-risk youth and their families. Barriers to accessing these services were also identified, along with recommendations for the efficient delivery of social services to youth at risk in target communities.