The Department of Social Services; Who We Are and What We Do

Governance & Management
Presenter:
Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson
Second Presenter:
Event Date
March 20, 2026
Start Time:
6:30 pm
Location:
Foresee Office
Total Hours:
2.0
Sessions:
1

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

The primary objectives of the Social Services workshop are centered on modernizing support systems,

enhancing community protection, and empowering vulnerable residents in Sint Maarten.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (competencies)

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Navigate the Social Support Ecosystem

• Regulatory Alignment: Understand how to align NGO activities with the National Ordinances of Sint

Maarten (AB 2013, GT no. 66) to ensure fair and regulated support.

• Service Pathways: Gain a clear understanding of the 5-step process (Schedule, Prepare, Register,

Assessment, Support Plan) to better guide clients through the formal government aid system

• Resource Identification: Distinguish between Material Aid (Legal, Financial, Medical) and

Immaterial Aid (Counseling, Crisis Care, Social Work) to make more accurate referrals.

2. Collaborative Programming & Partnership

• Synergy with Government Initiatives: Identify opportunities to plug into existing programs .

• Utility & Estate Support: Learn how to help vulnerable clients access the NV GEBE Utility Relief

Pilot or Estate Planning guidance through Notary partners.

3. Modernized Client Management

• Data Integration Awareness: Understand the role of the Social Registry in eliminating service gaps

and how NGO data might eventually support a more holistic view of client needs.

• Efficient Healthcare Advocacy: Learn about the transition from Medical Cards to Medical Status

Letters to help clients secure faster access to urgent care.

4. Advocacy and Community Empowerment

• Target Population Expertise: Better identify and serve specific vulnerable groups, including multiproblem

families, non-nationals in crisis, and youth transitioning to independence.

• Capacity Building: Learn to utilize mentorship and training tools designed to restore self-reliance

and mental well-being in clients.

LEVEL OF THE WORKSHOP AND FURTHER EXPLANATION ON TARGET GROUP

All NGOs that work in the area of aiding vulnerable groups

ADDITONAL INFORMATION:

Participants should bring a notebook and/or laptop

Register now