Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 10 July 2025 – The former Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is inviting all residents within the Turks and Caicos Islands to a series of island-wide town hall meetings to discuss the restructuring of the Department of Social Development and Welfare which has now split into two different departments: Family and Children Services and Community Support and Engagement. The town hall meetings will discuss the split of the DSDW into two specialized departments:
- The Department of Family and Children Services, focusing on family support, child protection, youth development, juvenile justice and clinical social work support.
- The Department of Community Support and Engagement, focusing on poverty reduction, adult protective services, elderly support services, social inclusion, and community development initiatives.
“It is essential for the public to attend these town hall meetings to fully understand the division of the department and the purpose and impact of our programmes,” says Ashley Adams, director of the former Department of Social Development and Welfare. “This transition represents a major step forward in tailoring services to meet the specific needs of families, children, and vulnerable adults. Your participation and feedback is invaluable in shaping the work that we do and ensuring our policies reflect the priorities and realities of our communities.”
The town hall meetings will provide an opportunity for all residents to:
- Learn about the changes and how these changes will enhance social service delivery across the islands.
- Gain understanding of the services and programs under each new department.
- Share your ideas and expectations to help shape the future of social services in the TCI.
- Ask questions and receive clarity directly from executive members of the departments and the technical teams.
Schedule of Town Hall Meetings
| Island |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
| South Caicos |
Thursday, July 10, 2025 |
6:00 PM |
South Caicos Community Centre |
| Middle Caicos |
Monday, July 14, 2025 |
6:00 PM |
Conch Bar Community Centre |
| North Caicos |
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 |
6:00 PM |
Kew Community Centre |
| Salt Cay |
Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
11:00 AM |
Salt Shed |
| Grand Turk |
Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
6:00 PM |
H.J. Robinson Auditorium |
| Providenciales |
Mon-Thurs, July 28-31, 2025 |
6:00 PM |
Various Locations by Community-TBA |
Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, also urges the public to attend the town hall meetings. He stated, “This is more than a change in structure, it’s a chance to strengthen how we care for our people. Your voices are vital to ensure that we build systems that are responsive to the needs of our communities. Therefore, we encourage all residents to mark their calendars and join us to learn more about the purpose of our division, what this means for our programmes and services, ask questions, and share your thoughts on how we can work together to build a stronger nation.”
For more information about the Department of Family and Children Services and the Department of Community Support and Engagement, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or contact us at the below numbers:
Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008
Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684
North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12
South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321
To report a safeguarding matter or complaint to this department, kindly see contact information:
MASH: 1-649-338-4013
mash@gov.tc
reportabusetci@gov.tc
Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare
Facebook: @department of social development, tci
