1. “Violence and the Problem- Solving Court.” The Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago Maureen Rajnauth-Lee High Court Judge Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago

2. The Establishment of the Family Court In the year 2004, the Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago opened its doors as a model in both form (physical facilities and structure) and function (judicial and non- judicial supports) The Family Court - the first problem- solving court in T&T The Family Court designed as a one-stop shop

3. The Family Court as a Problem Solving Court for Domestic Violence High Court and Magistrates’ Courts brought together to deal with high incidence of domestic violence In the year 2010-2011, there were 11,984 domestic violence cases filed in the Magistrates’ Courts

4. How did the Family Court solve the problems of victims of Domestic Violence and improve access to justice? We made the Court understandable and easy to navigate....a customer service approach. Customer Service Representatives Intake Officers Pro Se Counters

5. We made the Court less foreboding, providing Dignity and Privacy Private Court RoomsEnvironment: Relieves stress Painted in “happy” colours. Waiting rooms decorated with plants and park benches Cafeteria

6. We Solved the Problem of Child Care Children’s Waiting Room Babies and toddlers are cared for, free of charge, by highly trained and friendly staff Toys, games, books, sleeping mats and cribs are provided

7. We Solved the Problem of Child Care Youth Waiting Area Young people are supervised by highly trained and friendly staff a pleasant environment outfitted with computers, books, a TV and DVD player

8. “A ONE-STOP SHOP” to solve many problems The Court provides on-spot services: Mediation Counselling Other Social Services Referrals to Government Departments The Court funds: Psychological and Psychiatric Assessment and Treatment DNA testing in Paternity Cases The Court also operates an Emergency Fund

9. ENDING THE VIOLENCE (HOPE - a Violence Intervention Programme) The Family Court operates the HOPE Programme, that is, Holistic Opportunities for Personal Development. We offer Hope for Men Hope for Women Hope for Youth and Children

10. The Hope Programmes are designed to: Take the blame off the victims Hold batterers accountable Keep victims safe The Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago has the lead role in coordinating the HOPE programmes in T&T

11. The Problem-Solving Judge Success Stories: “The Bail Boys Project” “A Magistrate and her network”

12. The Family Court contact details are as follows: NIPDEC House Tragarete Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago 1-868-623-0395 or 1-868-623-0567 http://ttlawcourts.org or http://webopac.ttlawcourts.org/

13. Church House Conference Centre London