Every year, the Family Services Division works with approximately 3,000 of Vermont’s most vulnerable children and families; about 1,400 are children in DCF custody.

Our services include:

Child Abuse and Neglect Intake

Intake social workers located in our Central Office are the main point of contact for all information regarding potential child abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, call 1-800-649-5285 to report it —24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Child Abuse and Neglect Investigation and Assessment

Specialized social work staff conduct all child abuse and neglect investigations, with a primary focus on the immediate safety of children.

Ongoing Services to Families At Risk

Based on a validated risk assessment, a decision is made whether to provide ongoing services to a family.

Care & Treatment of Children in State Custody

At any point in time, about 1,420 children are in DCF custody. A police officer may take a child into DCF custody for one of the following reasons:

• The child is abused or neglected;
• The child is truant from school;
• The child is beyond or without parental control; or
• The child is delinquent.

Permanency Planning for Children in State Custody

FSD focuses on making sure that each child in State custody has a permanent home in which to grow up. Preferably, that home is with the child’s own parents. If that is not possible, adoption is the second choice.

Probation and Other Restorative Justice Services for Delinquent Youth

FSD social workers supervise youth on juvenile probation using the principles of balanced and restorative justice. On average, about 317 youth are on juvenile probation at any given time. Delinquents may enter custody because of their treatment needs and/or community safety concerns.

Post-Adoption Supports and Subsidy for Children Adopted through Foster Care

Children in custody who have special needs may be eligible for a monthly financial subsidy to make adoption possible. This assistance can include reimbursement of one-time adoption expenses, medical benefits, monthly payments, and the payment of special services. Over 1,500 children currently receive adoption assistance. Additionally, post-adoption services are available through the Vermont Adoption Consortium to help families weather the predictable stresses.

Transition Services for Youth

FSD helps young adults (between the ages of 18 and 22) to successfully transition from foster care to living independently.

Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center

FSD operates the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, which has two distinct programs:

1. The Woodside Detention Program serves up to 16 youth, both male and female, who require secure, short-term placement to ensure the youth’s and community’s protection while the youth stabilizes and a longer term placement option is identified. The Detention Program emphasizes a relationship building approach to working with youth while also providing education, recreation, health, and nutrition services. Youth placed in the program must either be in custody for delinquency or be before the court for a delinquent act. The program generally serves youth between the ages of 12-17.
    
2. The Woodside Treatment Program serves 12 males with a history of aggressive and disruptive behavior who have demonstrated that they cannot be served in a less secure program and therefore require a long term, locked setting while they address their treatment issues. A treatment team approach is emphasized and comprehensive services are provided. The average length of stay for Treatment Program residents is 18 months. Youth placed in the program are generally 13-16½ years old and are in DCF custody for delinquency.