WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S LIFE FUND
The Children’s Life Fund is a charitable fund that was established by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in November 2010 by Act of Parliament – Act No. 12 of 2010, with amendments in 2025.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRANT?
A person can access a grant where he/she meets all the following criteria:
• a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and is ordinarily resident in Trinidad and Tobago,
• unmarried and under the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of the application,
• referred by a medical specialist in the field of treatment required,
• in need of treatment that is unavailable at a local medical institution,
• diagnosed with a life-limiting illness (that is covered in the Act), and
• has medical expenses that exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the income of his/her family.
THE MEDICAL SPECIALIST’S ROLE IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications to the Children’s Life Fund MUST be accompanied by a medical report from a referring medical specialist. The medical specialist also submits any images and clinical records that may be applicable for the clinical assessment of an application.
Further to this, the medical specialist is involved throughout the case management process by providing:
• Feedback for questions related to clinical management which may be submitted by the CLFA or the approved international hospitals.
• ‘Fit to fly’ medical assessments.
• Support for clinical case conferences.
• Medical specialists are key partners who provide support for the CLFA’s process case management process.
THE AUTHORITY’S ROLE IN PROCESSING & ADMINISTERING GRANTS
The Children’s Life Fund Authority (CLFA) is the body bestowed with the responsibility to operate, manage, and administer the Children’s Life Fund.
The CLFA ensures that all eligible applicants to the fund are carefully considered by a team of highly qualified Specialist Doctors to ensure that the “Best Care Plan” is determined and carefully executed.
THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants can collect the application form from the CLFA’s office at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Complex, Trinidad & Tobago or download it from our website: www.childrenslifefund.org.tt.
Completed forms must be signed and submitted along with all the relevant documents.
The Life Unit coordinates a clinical and financial assessment, and a recommendation is submitted for review.
Once a decision is made the applicant is informed.
If the application is approved the CLFA makes the relevant travel arrangements which include:
The CLFA makes the payment arrangements for treatment directly to the medical institution.
The patient is monitored and evaluated during treatment while abroad.
Upon return the parent/legal guardian meets with a representative from CLFA to provide feedback