Parenting and family support

Co-parenting support in Trinidad and Tobago

Find official information about the Government Co-Parenting Programme, community mediation, parenting support and practical preparation after separation.

Programme schedules, intake and service availability can change. Contact the relevant centre before attending. This guide is general information and does not replace legal advice, counselling or an emergency service.

Official sources reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Available support

What support is available?

The Community Mediation Services Division provides several related services. A centre can help identify which service fits the circumstances.

Government Co-Parenting Programme

A programme for separated parents and guardians who are raising children across households. Topics include communication, the effect of conflict on children, access or visitation, consistency, maintenance and co-parenting agreements.

Community mediation

A neutral mediator can help people voluntarily discuss family disputes involving access, custody, maintenance and other arrangements. The mediator does not impose a decision.

Social-work and parenting support

The Division also lists counselling, family-focused interventions and parenting support groups. The available service depends on assessment, location and current programmes.

How to start

How can I ask for support?

Contact a centre first so staff can explain current intake, availability and whether the programme, mediation or another support service is appropriate.

  1. Contact the relevant service

    In Trinidad, call the Community Mediation Services Division on +1 868 225 4267. In Tobago, call the Community Mediation Unit on +1 868 798 5805.

  2. Describe the support you need

    Explain whether you are asking about the Co-Parenting Programme, parenting support, counselling or help discussing access, custody or maintenance.

  3. Confirm the current process

    Ask about screening, appointments, programme dates, location, virtual options and anything you should bring.

  4. Use the appropriate formal route when necessary

    Mediation and parenting support do not replace a court order, legal advice or emergency protection. Ask the service or a qualified professional about the correct route.

Official contacts

Trinidad: +1 868 225 4267 or [email protected]. Tobago: +1 868 798 5805 or [email protected].

Confirm the latest contact details and programme availability on the official websites.

Before you call

What information should I prepare?

A short factual summary can help the service understand what type of support may be suitable.

  1. The children’s ages and the current living or access arrangements.
  2. The parenting issues you want help discussing, stated without insults or unnecessary personal detail.
  3. Any current court order or written agreement that affects the arrangements.
  4. Any safety concern that could affect whether a joint process is appropriate.
  5. Your availability, location and ability to attend in person or online.