In-Home

The Protective Services component of the Agency is responsible for providing ongoing, in-home services to families for whom an area of abuse, neglect, or other child welfare issues has been identified. A number of the families have requested services from the Agency; however, most are involved involuntarily. The Protective Services units are responsible for providing ongoing supervision and support to children remaining in their own homes or in the homes of family members or friends. When necessary to assure child safety, Court involvement mandates services (protective supervision) or results in placement of children outside the home.

Various services are offered, and referrals made to assist the family, including parent education, intensive services, after-school/summer programs, self-esteem building programs, independent living skills building, counseling, drug and alcohol screenings, educational support, and assistance with basic needs. Partnerships with various community agencies, such as ParentWorks, Family Support Associates, Boys and Girls Clubs, Kids Are The Key, Bridging the Gap, Harrisburg School District, New Passages, Adult Probation, County of Dauphin Housing Authority, and various food banks and retailers, have enhanced these services.

School Based Program
The School Based Program is in the process of being reorganized for the 2010-11 school year.

The primary function of the unit is to maintain regular contact with school district personnel to foster relationships and establish ongoing communication between the districts and Children and Youth.

The unit will be familiar with the community resources that are available to students and review opportunities for expanding the services offered within each school.

In addition, the unit will act as the training liaison between the Agency and school districts, providing current Children and Youth related information and assisting in clarifying service delivery questions or concerns. It will coordinate meetings between the districts and any service providers contracted to address truancy issues.

The unit will also maintain longitudinal outcomes data regarding families referred to truancy issues, in conjunction with the districts and any service providers.