The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has made more than 200 social welfare referrals to government and civic agencies since introducing its social intervention mechanism in 2021.

The initiative, coordinated through INDECOM’s Family Liaison Officers (FLOs), complements ongoing investigations into police and security force actions by helping affected families access counselling, financial aid, and other support services.

According to the Commission, the FLOs have facilitated: 160 referrals to the Victim Services Division for counselling, 14 PATH referrals, 30 referrals for funeral grants, 2 for education grants, 2 for compassionate housing, and one each to the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

So far, 11 families have received funeral grants, four PATH referrals have been confirmed, and one family received a wheelchair donation from Food for the Poor.

Commissioner Hugh Faulkner said the programme aims to build trust in public institutions by addressing humanitarian needs alongside investigative work.

“When investigations are paired with practical help, trust in institutions can be strengthened, and humanitarian challenges addressed,” Faulkner said.

The Commission currently operates with two Family Liaison Officers supporting its five regional teams, linking victims and their families to the Victim Services Branch, Office of the Children’s Advocate, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Faulkner said that while an INDECOM referral does not guarantee approval for assistance, it is a critical step in improving accessibility and ensuring affected citizens are not left without guidance or hope.