Human Services - Children's Services

Children's services are provided to: Families with children under the age of 18 who are experiencing neglect or abuse, pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents under age 18 and their children, adolescents under the guardianship of the Commissioner of Human Services as state wards, emotionally distrubed children and adolescents and children and adolescents involved in or at risk of involvement with criminal activity.

Services Available

• Child Protection Services:Screening reports of suspected abuse or neglect, conduct investigations, arrange for safe placement out of home when a child(ren) are in imminent danger of maltreatment and conduct case management and permanency planning activities in active cases.
• Foster Care:Recruitment, licensing and continuing training of individuals to provide foster care for children who have been abused or neglected by their parents and canot safely remain at home.
• Children's Mental Health Services:Provision of mental health services to children with emotional disturbance and their families.
• Family Preservation ServicesIn-home services to prevent out-of-home placement or to help facilitate the safe return of the child(ren) to their parent(s). This service is provided to families who are at high risk of entering the child protection system and to families who are presently in the system due to substantiated maltreatment.
• Adoption ServicesConducting home studies and placement in an adoptive home of children who are wards of the state (parental rights have been terminated by the court).
• Child PlacementOut-of-home placement of children from abuse or neglect, for treatment of emotional disorders or chemical depencendy or placement due to deliquent acts committed by a juvenile.
• Minor Parent Services:Services provided to a minor, who has a child, to develop a plan to ensure their safety and self-sufficiency.