The social worker focuses on working with the family in order to establish better communication and to reduce the risk of further involvement with the Juvenile Court. Juvenile Court Counselors make referrals for adolescents who are at serious risk of training school placement. The Families for Kids program encompasses all of the services provided to families and children through DSS from Child Protective Services, support services, through foster care and adoptions. Special grant initiatives started in 1995 to improve the service delivery system for children at risk. Families known to the agency for abuse or neglect may receive intensive social work services aimed at preserving the family unit.
Work is short term and goal-oriented.
A screening committee selects families currently receiving Child Protective Services or whose children are in foster care placement. In some situations, however, the plan for reunification may not be successful and may change to adoption. Foster families receive reimbursement monthly to cover room and board. In addition, children are covered by Medicaid and receive a semi-annual clothing allowance. This service isn't something that we do per se.