Vermont Parent Representation Center: Two CHINS Cases Dismissed

This past week two VPRC families had their cases dismissed in Court. We believe it had to do with our work with DCF, the other lawyers involved and, of course, the families themselves.  “Ella’s” Story The Probate Court referred Ella to VPRC because her former in-laws, the paternal grandparents of her four-year-old child, filed a petition for minor guardianship. Then, within days of this referral, DCF filed a Child in Need of Care and Supervision (CHINS) petition, claiming that Ella had neglected her child over a long period of time. DCF had already comple...

Read More

VPRC’s Family Intervention Team

VPRC has now provided legal advocacy and social work support services to families involved in our child welfare system for over one year. We have served 21 families with 47 children. VPRC’s program model includes our team members meeting with parents in their homes. All our families have found these visits very supportive and helpful for them to be able to meet their goals. Comments of parents, from their evaluations of VPRC’s services, include: “I trust them & trust is always very important.” “I am glad to have such a good support group for me ...

Read More