The Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago provides an accountable court system in which timeliness and efficiency are the hallmarks, while still protecting integrity, fairness, equality and accessibility and attracting public trust and confidence.
The Children Court is a Court for children - anyone under the age of 18. The Court became operational on February 28, 2018, and hears cases involving children who are accused of breaking the law, children in need of supervision (CHINS), and children who are in need of care and protection. The Children Court also hears children drug and mental health matters. The types of matters filed at the Children Court include:
Children’s Authority Applications
The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) can make several applications pursuant to its duty as guardian of the children of Trinidad and Tobago under the Children Authority Act Chap. 46:10 and the suite of children legislation. Some of these include, applications for wardship, applications for interim Supervision Orders, Care Orders and Recovery Orders.
Private Applications
This is a criminal action that is initiated by a private citizen rather than a police officer. This complaint is against another person he or she suspects or believes is guilty of a crime and presents an accusation before the proper authorities for investigation. It also includes applications involving protection orders.
Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) Applications
Section 50A of the Children Act 2012 (as amended)- “Where a parent, guardian or person with responsibility for a child alleges that he is unable to control the child, he may apply to the Court for an order deeming the child to be a Child in Need of Supervision.
Criminal Indictable Matters
These matters are the most serious category of criminal offences. There are two stages in indictable trials. Firstly, a preliminary enquiry or committal proceedings in the Children Court before a Master must be conducted. The Master determines if the Prosecution can establish a prima facie case against the accused. If the Master has determined that there is a prima facie case against the accused, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has to file an indictment and a date will set be set for the trial to be commenced before a Judge at the Children Court.
Criminal Summary Matters
These matters are usually contained in the Summary Offences Act Chap 11:02. They are less serious criminal offences in which the penalties that can be imposed are not as great as indictable offences. Summary offences are proceeded with summarily, that is, tried in the Children Court by the Master.
Children who come before the Court must participate in an Intake Conference. Through this process, a representative from the Court will speak with the child to find out more about him or her, and what caused him or her to end up before the Court. The Children Court can appoint a Children’s Attorney who will ensure that the voice of the child is heard throughout the case.
As a problem-solving court, the Children Court provides targeted intervention to address the needs of children in conflict with the law and children who are in need of supervision (CHINS). Though custodial sentencing options are utilized by the Court, intervention can also be provided through several non-custodial sentencing options that support the rehabilitation and re-integration of child offenders and CHINS back into society. Among the non-custodial sentences available at the Children Court are:
Individual Counselling
Counselling allows individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs and behaviors; work through challenging or influential memories; identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change; better understand themselves and others; set personal goals; and work toward desired change. At the Children Court, Social Workers use assessments as a basis for identifying problems, planning interventions and evaluating and/or diagnosing children.
Family Counselling
The goal of family counselling is to help family members improve communication, solve family problems, understand and handle special family situations (for example, death, serious physical or mental illness, or child and adolescent issues), and create a better functioning home environment.
Parent Counselling
Parenting sessions are educational sessions that teach parents parenting skills specific to the needs/crises that their child(ren) may be experiencing. The sessions teach parents how to provide the supportive response that assists with the overall well-being and social-functioning of the child. Additionally, it assists with the development and maintenance of positive relationships with their children.
Court-Annexed Peer Resolution
This is a process whereby the Court requests a group of trained Youth Volunteers (ages 13-17) to recommend sanctions for children (Respondents) who have come before the Court for minor offences.
Children Drug Treatment Court Process
This process is for children with drug related offences, substance misuse and who are in need of treatment. It helps children who are at a high risk of substance use issues or who are addicted to drugs.
The Life Lessons Programme
Lessons are designed to provide children with the skills and values needed to help them overcome life’s challenges. They are guided through the process of change in thinking, behaviour and attitudes. It also helps them identify positive persons in their lives who they can depend on for support and guidance.
Imani Healing Circle
This programme looks at some of the stressful or unusual events in a boy’s life that may still be affecting him. It provides support to overcome those challenges and guides boys who are enrolled to positive changes in thinking, attitudes and behaviour.
A Girl Like Me – Girls Circle
This programme helps girls look at various issues which can negatively impact their lives. It provides them with the opportunity to develop skills that can help them make better choices and improve their ability to function and cope with life changes.
Until further notice, all Children Court applications must be filed online at eservices.ttlawcourts.org. To pay traffic tickets issued before May 26, 2020 and mask fines, visit courtpay.ttlawcorts.org. Members of the public may contact the Court via email or via telephone at:
