Social Safety Net Policy Framework.

The Social Safety Net Policy Framework is a comprehensive social protection policy with a national coverage in Grenada. It will be implemented during the 2013-2017 period. The Policy seeks to guarantee all citizens access to basic services, and provide additional support to those who face special challenges in meeting their fundamental needs. The main type of programmes covered by the Policy include: cash transfers targeted to the elderly, school children, indigent poor and disabled poor (and one off payments for specific emergencies); food-based programmes (school feeding programmes and food security provisions); price subsidies for food, electricity, and public transport; active labour market programmes including public works schemes; waivers and exemptions for health care costs, schooling costs and utilities; community development programmes; social care services; and housing, water and sanitation services.
The Policy will design and implement food-based programmes (school feeding programmes and food security provisions), and provide workshops on health care and nutrition.
The Policy intends to serve in particular the chronic poor, the transient poor, and special vulnerable groups, including those living in rural areas. In particular, the Policy seeks to strengthen the systematic production and use of evidence on poverty and vulnerability for better policy design and programming (Research, Monitoring and Evaluation); increase the poverty reduction focus through social safety net policy design and programming (Cash Transfer Programmes); undertake social and legal reforms to improve access to services for the poor and vulnerable (Education and Health); help families achieve economic independence (Work Opportunities); and ensure an efficient, effective, transparent, participative and accountable social protection service delivery (Modernizing Systems and Building Capacity).
Improved livelihood options are promoted for the poor and vulnerable groups, so as to strengthen safeguards against shocks and disasters. In particular, the document aims at the reorganization and adjustment of emergency assistance and disaster relief interventions.
The Policy provides for the establishment of institutional structures and mechanisms for its implementation, oversight, coordination and reform. An Inter-Ministerial Committee on Social Safety Net Reform will be set up to manage and monitor the implementation of the policy framework (and operational plans arising from the framework). It will be an intergovernmental body led by the Ministry of Social Development. This committee will also report to Cabinet through the Ministry of Social Development.