Provides services for children released by the courts for adoption to become permanent members of a family. Registries of families are studied and approved for adoption.
Provides services such as chore, companion, adult day care, homemakers, and protection to enable aged or disabled adults to remain in their own homes rather than move to institutions. Provides protective services to safeguard and defend adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Transitional services are also provided to adults once they are released from institutions and returning to the community.
Reports of abuse and neglect of children under 18 are investigated with the goal of protecting children from physical, mental, sexual, emotional, and medical neglect, and from abuse or exploitation. Services are also provided to prevent and alleviate family dysfunction. Reports of suspected abuse and neglect of children under 18 can be made by telephoning (toll-free) 1-800-552-7096.
Services are provided to assess, give information and referral, or resolve short-term emergency needs, such as food, shelter, and medication. Pre-assessments and prevention services for foster care, as well as referrals for counseling and family therapy, are also provided.
Purchases day care services for income-eligible and public assistance (AFDC) recipients to promote employment and self-sufficiency. Families are assisted with the selection and purchase of day care for children under thirteen (13), during the parent's school attendance or employment. The Day Care Program also approves and monitors family day care homes. The Fee System Day Care Program, administered by the Norfolk Planning Council, provides day care for non-public assistance families on a sliding scale basis.
Provides preventative health services through Medicaid for eligible recipients up to the age of 21. Services are provided in cooperation with the Department of Public Health.
Provides intense, specific services to families after an initial crisis has been addressed. Follow-up to Child Protective Services, counseling and supervision help at-risk and dysfunctional families to gain strength.
Provides temporary substitute care for children who cannot be in their own homes. The goal of foster care is a permanent home for each child. Returning the child to his or her own home is the first priority, followed by adoption and permanent foster care.