INTRODUCTION
The worsening humanitarian conditions in Venezuela have led to an influx of migrants and refugees and migrants from that country into Trinidad and Tobago. In May/June 2019, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) embarked on a registration exercise which gave migrants and refugees an opportunity to register, work in TT for a period of one year, during which time they had access to Primary Health Care in TT. 16,523 Venezuelans over the age of 16 registered along with 2,421 children some of whom were unaccompanied. They received an extension of their stay until June 3, 2021. In March 2021, Venezuelan nationals who were already successfully registered during the Migrant Registration Process in 2019, and who received a registration card of the Minister of National Security’s permit, were asked to re-register during a specific time. About 13,800 persons re-registered.
With over 100+ migrant children unaccompanied in Trinidad and Tobago, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR) and national authorities, have launched an Alternative Care Programme (ACP) which will provide family and/or community-based care to these unaccompanied and separated children. Alternative Care is the term used to describe the care provided to children by caregivers who are not their biological parents. This programme aims to attract persons interested in volunteering to be Foster Parents or Care Supporters for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC), Children at Risk of Violence, Abuse, Exploitation, or children whose parents/caregivers lack the capacity to care for them adequately.
In an effort to address gaps and challenges faced by the local authorities, AMMR is now seeking to train clinical Psychologists in the use of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI), the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Family Assessment Measure (FAM) tool to support the assessment process. This process is integral to the assessment and selection of potential caregivers and is aimed at mitigating risks and vulnerabilities associated with placement.
RATIONALE
This project seeks to train twenty (20) duly qualified persons in the use of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI). The goal of this training is to provide assistance to national authorities in their assessment process which is a major part of their overall ACP. It is anticipated that this collaboration will enhance the impact and placement of UASC with registered families in the ACP. This training is free but has a built-in two-year Service Agreement which participants will be expected to sign prior to implementation of the training.
The stakeholder’s primary commitment would be to ensure timely assessment services to Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC) as well as families whenever the need arises.
Title of Project:
Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI), Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) & Family Assessment Measure (FAM) Training.
AMMR would like to invite eligible persons to indicate their interest in being trained in the use of the above Assessment Tools.
Target group for Training:
- Participants must be holders of a MSc. Degree or higher in Clinical Psychology from an accredited Tertiary Education Institution.
- Dual citizens who have a sound command of both English and Spanish are also encouraged to apply. Persons with degrees from outside of Trinidad & Tobago must attach a copy of their accreditation letter.
- Participants must have knowledge of psychometric tools and testing.
- Individuals should have three to five (3 – 5) years experience working with families and/or at-risk children.
Proposed methodology:
- Design
- The training will be conducted during the month of June/July 2021.
- It will be implemented by Facilitator(s) with experience in the use of the CAP Inventory, PAI and FAM.
- Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the training.
- Each participant must be willing to sign a two (2) year Service Agreement to conduct assessments on behalf of the AMMR as part of the Alternative Care Programme.
- Service Agreement
- The Service Agreement will be developed with input from the selected service providers to ensure minimal disruption to their professional life.
- The Service Agreement will be given to participants for signature prior to the commencement of training.
- All referrals for assessment made under the Service Agreement will be free to the referred clients/parties.
- Trainees would be required to respect the worth and dignity of those they will be supporting. This means upholding best practice by ensuring confidentiality of all information, respect and understanding in the execution of duties under the Service Agreement.
- Mandatory reports on every assessment will be forwarded directly to the Case Management Officer, AMMR who will have the responsibility of forwarding a completed documents to the responsible authorities.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted with the following information:
- A one-page letter indicating your interest to participate in the training.
- Educational qualifications – copies of academic certificates &/or accreditation letter.
- Curriculum Vitae – Name, Address, Telephone #, Employer Information, Position in the organization, number of years work-related experience.
- Documents should be sent to:
Catholic Commission for Social Justice/Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants & Refugees,
Archbishop’s House,
27 Maraval Road,
Port of Spain,
no later than 28 May 2021. Or, via email at socialjustice@catholictt.org with the subject heading: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: TRAINEE
Kind Regards,
Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and AMMR
