The agency's goal is to provide these services to help protect children while keeping the family together. It sometimes becomes necessary, however, to take action to remove the child from the home. When placement occurs, the goal is to plan for the return of the child to the family as quickly as possible. In cases where a child is unable to return to the family, the agency seeks to find a permanent home for the child, either through relatives or adoption. Intake inquiries are received by a professional social worker who takes the report, assesses the initial risk to the child, responds immediately in cases of emergencies, and provides appropriate information and referrals to the family.
Volunteers can play an integral part in keeping the family unit together.
They can work as parent educators by providing basic information to parents concerning child care needs. They can work as tutors with all age clients, helping them toward specific educational goals. Training and support is offered to individuals who are interested in this valuable service. Further information is available from the Volunteer Coordinator at the agency. Foster Parents are needed to provide a temporary home for children in need of placement.