The Family Services Division is Vermont’s child welfare and youth justice agency. Every year, we work families and communities to make sure children and youth are safe, their basic needs are met, and families are supported.

Because Families Matter!

Our work involves:

• Responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect;
• Evaluating children’s safety through investigations and assessments;
• Working with youth who have committed delinquent acts; and
• Supporting and strengthening families.

Engaging With Families

We want every family to succeed, and we engage and support parents and extended family members to make that happen. If we can do so safely, we keep children and youth with their families and provide services and supports to help the family get back on track. 

When children cannot safely live at home, we first look to relatives or close family friends to care for them. Living with people they know is less traumatic for children and keeps them connected— to their parents and communities. When that's not possible, non-relative foster parents step up to provide temporary, out-of-home care.

The Work We Do

I am proud of the work that we do and our staff who dedicate themselves everyday to helping children and families improve their lives.

I hope that all Vermonters will find out what they can do to help children and families in their communities. These families need our support, compassion, and help to get their lives back on track.

Cindy Walcott, Deputy Commissioner