Tools to Help You Find Services and Programs
The Screen Door
The Vermont Agency of Human Services has a screening tool, called the Screen Door, that will let you know what programs (e.g. foodstamps, Medicaid, VHAP, fuel assistance, child care subsidy, and more) that you might qualify for. Simply go to http://www.screendoor.vermont.gov/ and click on the “screen door”.
Vermont 211
Vermont 211 is a free information and referral help line available to everyone in Vermont. Call specialists can help you solve problems and link you to government programs, community-based organizations, support groups, and other resources. You can find information about include legal services, health care information, rent assistance, mental health care, financial assistance, and more.
You can dial 211 from any phone in Vermont (except out-of-state cell phones). If you are calling from out-of-state, call 1-802-652-4636. Call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You may also use their online search tool to find programs and services for yourself. This search tool is available at http://vermont211.org Simply click on “Search the database”.
With this tool, you can search three ways, but begin by entering your zip code or selecting your town.
1) You can browse by service category. To do this, choose “see a list of services by category”. Then choose from the category list. Subcategories will appear. To choose a subcategory, you must click on the + sign next to that category. After clicking the + sign, a list of types of services will appear. By clicking on these links, you will bring up a new page with a list of the agencies that will provide services to the town you live in. By clicking on the blue link under each agency, you will bring up additional information about that program. This information includes what services they provide, how to access the services, etc.
2) You can search for services by typing in a word or phrase (e.g. scholarships). Click on “Service Search by Word or Phrase” and enter in the phrase you would like.
3) You can search for program agencies by name. Click on “search for agencies and programs by name”. Enter in the name (or part of a name) of a program or agency. A list of agency names will appear. NOTE: Under each agency, programs offered by that agency will be listed. If you click on a program (blue link) it will bring you to a page with more information on that program.
Hotlines
DCF
Statewide after hours emergency number: 1-800-649-5285
Domestic Violence.1-800-228-7395 24-hour statewide hotline
This number will connect you to the hotline serving your local area.
Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Chat line
Statewide 1-800-452-2428, Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm
Mental Health Crisis
- Windham and Windsor counties: HCRS of southeastern Vermont: (800) 622-4235 24 hr hotline
- Bennington County: United counseling service Bennington (802) 442-5491 24-hr hotline, Manchester (802)362-3950 24-hr hotline
- Orange County and Upper Valley Region: Clara Martin Center: 1-800-639-6360 24-hr hotline
- Chittenden County: Howard Center Adult Behavioral Health Services: (802) 863-2400 24-hr hotline, First call for Children and Families: (802) 864-7777 24-hr hotline
- Addison County: Counseling service of Addison County: (802) 388-7641 24-hr service
- Washington County: Washington County mental health services: (802) 229-0591 24-hr service
- Lamoille County: Lamoille County Mental Health 888- 4231, ask for mental health emergency worker on duty 24 hrs
- Rutland County: Rutland mental health services: (802) 775-1000 24-hr service
- Franklin and Grand Isle counties: Northwestern Counseling and Support Services: (800) 834-7793 24 hr hotline
Poison Control
Statewide 1-800-222-1222
Sexual Assault 1-800-489-7273 24-hour statewide hotline
This number will connect you to the hotline serving your local area.
Substance Abuse
Rutland Mental Health Services: (802) 775-1000 24-hour Hotline
Suicide Prevention
Headrest: 1-800-273-8255 24-hr statewide hotline
Teen Line
Headrest: 1-800-639-6095 24-hr statewide hotline
Youth Crisis Hotlines
- Caledonia and Southern Essex Counties: Northeast Kingdom Youth Services: (802) 748-8141 24-hr hotline
- Franklin and Grand Isle counties: Northwestern Counseling and Support Services: (802) 527-2262 information and services, (802) 524-3381 after hours hotline
- Chittenden County: First Call: (802) 864-7777 24-hr
- Windham County: Youth services: (800) 287-3107, press 1 (24-hr)
National Hotlines
For a list of national hotlines click here: http://www.focusas.com/Hotlines.html
Links
FYI3
http://www.fyi3.com/fyi3/index.cfm
A website designed for youth preparing to transition out of foster care. It's packed with resources, success stories, scholarship opportunities, discussion forums, youth boards, advocacy, and legislation information. FYI3 stands for foster youth informed + involved + independent.
Outright Vermont
http://www.outrightvt.org
Statewide organization that offers support and resources to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youths. This website also provides all of Outright’s events, programs, and resources.
TeenGrowth
http://www.teengrowth.com
An interactive website that offers teens a secure environment to search for, request, and receive valuable health-care information on topics such as alcohol, drugs, emotions, health, family, friends, school, sex, and sports.
Teenwire
http://www.teenwire.com
Sponsored by Planned Parenthood, teenwire.com is the leading website for teens who need information about sexual health. The site includes information about sex, sexuality, sexually transmitted infections, self-esteem, body image, and drugs and alcohol, as well as relationship advice.
Publications
Frequently Asked Questions About the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
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Frequently Asked Questions II About the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
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Frequently Asked Questions III About the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and the Chafee Educational and Training Voucher Program
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It's My Life Employment: A Guide for Transition Services from Casey Family Programs
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