Social Domain rolls out ‘Strong Roots’ programme

The Public Entity St. Eustatius currently rolls out its “Strong Roots” programme through its Directorate Social Domain. This programme covers an integral and holistic prevention approach starting from prenatal care to death and deals with all aspects of the "life cycle. The Directorate will further develop cultural awareness and strengthen its relations with relevant chain partners and the community. Domestic violence and child abuse are top priority for the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. It is also high on the agenda of Social Domain, during the remainder of the year 2022 and beyond.

An advice and reporting point Domestic violence and Child abuse will be set up to increase the number of reports. A child helpline, aimed at children and youngsters from 8 – 21 years old, was recently launched :  Statia launches Child Helpline | News item | St. Eustatius (statiagovernment.com)

A shelter for victims of domestic violence will also be opened this year.

Housing

In the third quarter of 2022, the Directorate Social Domain will finalize the additional assisted living homes and five emergency homes in Lodi. With the realization of these new homes, housing opportunities are provided for the elderly and for individuals with a disability.

Furthermore, the Directorate will continue to strengthen the working relationship with the Statia Housing Foundation (SHF). Areas for collaboration will be urgent housing and challenges in social housing. The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports recently provided the Directorate Social Domain with funds to assist the most vulnerable residents with rental subsidy. The community will be kept abreast of the developments.

Public Health

Recently, the prevention "clinic" was opened, which provides information on non-communicable diseases (NCD's) and what can be done to prevent these. More information on the clinic can be found here: Information on Non-communicable diseases (NCD) Statia opens prevention clinic | News item | St. Eustatius (statiagovernment.com)

This year the Public Health Department will roll out the Cervix and Breast cancer screening in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, like what is being done on Bonaire and Saba. Efforts to fight against the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic will continue while the Directorate will further strengthen its approach towards infectious diseases.

Culture

The area of Culture will also get more attention. The Department of Culture will be better positioned and the Cultural Agenda for Statia will be reintroduced. In addition, the cultural masterplan will be simplified in a more defined manner, including the various goals and objectives outlined by timelines. The Department will introduce community outreach campaigns and collaborate with other departments and NGO's. A comprehensive music education program will start for the primary schools.

Labour

The Social Domain Directorate will further increase its efforts to increase employment. This will be done through job programs in collaboration with chain partners such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, Raad Onderwijs Arbeidsmarkt (ROA), the Gwendoline Van Putten School, the New Challenges Foundation and employers.

Social Work

The team of the Unit Social Support will be expanded with two social workers this year. In a joint effort with the pedagogue, the Unit aims to introduce a location for parental advice.

Directorate Social Domain

The Directorate of Social Domain supports the Public Entity by stimulating Statian residents to actively participate in and contribute to society. Management provides interpretation of the policy, regulatory and controlling tasks of the government in the field of culture, social development, and public health. In this context, opportunities for development are created on an individual and collective level. Prevention, care, and guidance is key.