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:
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.”
