Our Family Services Division (FSD) is responsible for protecting children and strengthening families in Vermont.
FSD works with families and others to help make sure children and youth:
- Are safe from abuse.
- Have their basic needs met (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, and health care).
- Have the parental care, support, and supervision they need to ensure their well-being and education.
What This Involves
Our Family Services staff:
- Receive and review reports of alleged child abuse and neglect.
- Decide when a response (intervention) is called for, based on Vermont law and FSD policy.
- Choose the appropriate intervention: assessment or investigation.
- Conduct the chosen intervention. This may include assessing a child's immediate safety, assessing the family's risk and the risk of future harm without intervention.
- Help families develop plans to make their homes safe, keep their children home, and strengthen their families.
- Help families access services and supports that will strengthen their families and increase safety. This could include, for example, counseling, parenting classes, job training, and substance abuse treatment and recovery.
Learn More About FSD
Child Safety Interventions
Parent’s Guide to DCF's Family Services Division
Family Services Practice Model | Family-Friendly Version