Kidsafe Collaborative

Kidsafe co-facilitates kidsnet, a partnership of agencies, community groups and individuals that work together, meeting monthly, to improve systems and strengthen supports for children and families; convenes the community advisory board to the family services division of the vt dept. For children and families (dcf) (burlington district office), to improve policy and practice via input and action by consumers and community members; co-facilitates the children exposed to domestic violence committee; co-organizes and convenes annual legislative forum focusing on issues of child maltreatment and domestic violence; presents annual recognition awards for outstanding service to improve the safety and well-being of children in our community. Kidsafe is an active participant in numerous state and local initiatives to improve child welfare policy and practice. Kidsafe Collaborative's program activities take place almost entirely in space donated free of charge by Collaborative partner agencies including schools, community centers, other governmental and non-profit social services agencies.

Kidsafe conducts trainings for mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect in collaboration with the vt department for children and families, family services division. Kidsafe developed an on-line training for mandated reporters: "protecting Vermont's children: reporting abuse and neglect." This training is available statewide on the Vermont dcf website, and is used by child care providers, schools, social services agencies, health and mental health professionals, and others. Since its launch in april 2016, it has been accessed by over 30,000 people.

Kidsafe Collaborative convenes and leads multi-disciplinary child protection teams, empaneled under Vermont law, 33vsa4917. The child protection and family support team (cpfst) coordinates case planning and services with families at risk for child abuse and/or neglect. The cpfst meets twice/month at various locations convenient to families and the service providers who work with them, throughout chittenden co. The charm (children and recovering mothers) team coordinates services with providers working with pregnant and post-partum women with a history of opiate dependence, to improve the health and safety of their babies. The team meets monthly at the university of Vermont medical center. With each of these teams, Kidsafe Collaborative organizes, convenes and facilitates team meetings, conducts meeting preparation and follow-up, maintains team participation, statutory compliance, outreach and evaluation. The charm team received national recognition as a model Collaborative approach.