Agencies work to strengthen Out of School Suspension Programme
Education, social services, counselling and probation officials met to improve support for students facing behavioural and social challenges.
BASSETERRE, St Kitts. Government agencies have met to improve the delivery of the Out of School Suspension Programme, which supports students facing behavioural and social difficulties.
The meeting, convened this week by the Citizen Security and Well-Being Secretariat, brought together representatives of the Ministries of Social Development, Education and National Security, the Prime Minister's Office, the National Counselling Centre, Probation and Child Protection Services, the National Intervention Team and the Elevate programme.
The programme is a temporary intervention that provides coordinated assessments and targeted services, with the aim of tackling the underlying causes of a student's difficulties and preparing them and their families for a successful return to school.
Participants reviewed how students are referred and supported, discussed closer cooperation between agencies and agreed clearer roles and responsibilities.
Officials committed to better communication and refined procedures, with an emphasis on early intervention and structured support.
