Getting support from a school counsellor or social worker

For Teens seeking support

We know that for teens, there is a lot on your mind when deciding if to seek the help of an adult. Especially if you are in a situation where an adult is the cause of your concern. For those who have decided to seek support through a school counsellor or social worker, see what you can expect below.

Things you should know before making the decision to get help

The Ministry of Education Student Support Services Division is Confidential and Safe
There are measures in place to protect you as a child and KEEP YOU SAFE in all scenarios
Officially reaching out for help is not easy for teens or adults. Even thinking about it, is brave and you should be kind to yourself as you explore your options.

Steps to Getting Support from the Student Support Services Division - Ministry of Education

Stage 1: Make a Referral

A Referral for Support for a Student can come from school administration or a teacher or an external agency, a parent, a concerned citizen. If you are the student who needs help, you can also make a Self-Referral.

A referral is a request for support for you or for someone else.

Referrals can be made via:

Calling the Student Support Services Hotline
Submitting a form or in person with a teacher, Ministry of Education representative directly either at your school or at a Ministry of Education District Office. See List of Ministry of Education District Offices at the end of this Article

What if I don’t have a counsellor or social worker in my school?

In the event there isn’t a social worker or counsellor, you can walk in and request to make a referral for support at any Ministry of Education District Office or call one of their District Hotlines.

Stage 2: Multidisciplinary Team MDT

After you make a referral, the Multidisciplinary Team of Specialists at the Student Support Services Division will review the case and identify what services the child or teen needs most. Those services are then prioritized based on urgency. A case worker with the primary service identified, is then assigned to the case.

Stage 3: Contact with Child-Teen

Finally, your support will begin with a caseworker contacting you and your parent or parents. This person will be confidential and will put your safety above all else.

In the event a report has been made about a parent, the safety of the child or teen is put first.
When in doubt it cannot hurt to learn more about the process from a representative.
If you would like to learn more about how children are kept safe,
Call the Student Support Division Hotline at 1(868) 724-1010

For Parents, Caregivers or Trusted Adults

The information in this article also applies to Parents and Caregivers and other trusted adults who might want to make a referral for a child or teenager in their life that they care about.
Please refer to the contact list below for more information or find a list of hotlines on www.findcarett.com/children-adolescents/

Learn more about the Student Support Services Division at their website: www.moe.gov.tt/student-support-services-division-sssd/

Ministry of Education District Offices

Port of Spain - Headquarters
Education Towers, No. 5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain
Tel: 1(868)622-2181 (Ext. 1033/1034/1035/1036)
Email: studentsupportservices@moe.gov.tt
Caroni Education District
Old Couva West Secondary School, Balisier Street, Couva
Phone: 1-868-636-4800
Email: caronidistrict@moe.gov.tt
North Eastern Education District
Savi Street, Boodooville, Sangre Grande
Phone: 1-868-668-6256
Email: need.district@moe.gov.tt
Port of Spain and Environs Education District
Jerningham Avenue, Port of Spain
Phone: 1-868-623-2315
Email: posdistrict@moe.gov.tt
South Eastern Education District
No. 87 High Street, Rio Claro
Phone: 1-868-644-2995
Email: southeasternedistrict@moe.gov.tt
St. George East Education District
2A Eastern Main Road Tunapuna
Phone: 1-868-645-7516 / 7520
Email: stgeorgeeastdistrict.sec@moe.gov.tt
St. Patrick Education District
No. 101 Farah Street, San Fernando
Phone: 1-868-653-8957 / 3445
Email: stpatrickdistrict@moe.gov.tt
Victoria Education District
Nos. 16 -22 Sutton Street, San Fernando
Phone: 1-868-653-0035 / 657-8829
Email: victoriaeducationdistrict@moe.gov.tt
Division of Education, Innovation and Energy
Dutch Fort Plaza, Dutch Fort, Tobago
Phone: 1-868-299-0781
Email: adminstrator@thadeie.gov.tt