Department for Children, Youth and Families Programs & Services

Children and Family Services

Child Protective Services investigates, assesses and protects children when there is a suspicion of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Caseworkers monitor and arrange for necessary rehabilitative services to families in need.

Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline: 1-800-342-3720

Prevention Services are provided to families with children "at risk" of FOSTER CARE placement. The goal of Prevention Services is to insure the safety of the child and seek to preserve, support and strengthen the family unit by:

• Preventing child abuse and neglect
• Reducing the number of placements into foster care for children receiving prevention services
• Promoting the optimal health, well being and development of children.

Foster Care Services provide children/youth with a temporary home in the community. Foster Care settings vary in level and intensity depending on the needs of the child. Foster Care services consist of needs assessments, arrangements and placement for children under the age of 18. Specialized services place an emphasis on permanency and provide reasonable and diligent efforts to reunite families.

Adoption Services assists children who have no permanent guardian to become adopted.

The Independent Living Program provides services for youth residing in foster care and have a discharge goal of independent living because reunification and adoption are no longer viable alternatives, or in instances where youth have a different discharge goal but are otherwise appropriate for Independent Living Services.