Project Family
Baby Safe Haven
Bright Futures Information System
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About Us
Our services include: Child Abuse and Neglect IntakeIntake 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 AssessmentSpecialized 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 RiskBased on a validated risk assessment, a decision is made whether to provide ongoing services to a family. Care & Treatment of Children in State CustodyAt 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:
Permanency Planning for Children in State CustodyFSD 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 YouthFSD 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 CareChildren 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 YouthFSD helps young adults (between the ages of 18 and 22) to successfully transition from foster care to living independently. Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation CenterFSD operates the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, which has two distinct programs:
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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.