Child Welfare staff wears blue on April 12 to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention (NCAP) Month, County Executive George Latimer is highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS), for their commitment to the safety and well-being of the children they serve. Throughout the month of April, the Child Welfare Office is placing a special focus on building resilient children, families and communities, and preventing child abuse across Westchester County. On April 12, the Child Welfare Staff of each DSS District Office wore blue to raise awareness in recognition of NCAP.
Latimer said: “During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the year, it is crucial that we recognize our Child Welfare staff for everything they do to keep our children safe. They are the first responders who are on the front lines when there is an instance of physical or emotional abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Most times these men and women are called in when children are in their most vulnerable state; when they are truly in need of someone to care for them. Our DSS staff deserve our praise, and I thank them for all that they do.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services Leonard Townes said: “Child abuse prevention is an essential goal that everyone should strive for each and every day. The child welfare team here at DSS is to be commended for their tireless efforts and their commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our children. While the work they do may go unnoticed, it’s importance cannot be overstated. I am proud of this team and the outstanding job they do.”
Westchester County Child Welfare focuses on the safety, well-being, and permanency of the children in their care. Their responsibilities include engaging children and families, addressing safety concerns, assisting in risk-reduction measures, providing for the immediate needs of the families, developing permanency plans, implementing various levels of visitation arrangements, collaborating with numerous service providers and testifying in court proceedings.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Child Welfare continued to maintain in-person contact with the children and families they serve, including:
- Conducting CPS Investigations and FAR Assessments.
- Addressing service plans to reduce risk.
- Supervising visits between parents/caretakers and their children in foster care.
- Transporting children for visits with potential kinship resources.
- Transporting COVID+ children and parents to medical treatment.
- Bringing food, school supplies, clothing and other items to families in need.
In 2021, Westchester County Child Welfare implemented Family Team Decision Meetings (FTDM), a collaborative practice used by child welfare agencies that involves family members at important decision points including service planning, removals, change of placement, reunification and other permanency planning. As a result, Westchester County has had many positive outcomes, including an increased number of children remaining safely in their homes with the support of collaborative wrap-around services.
Below are some statistics about the Westchester County Department of Child Protective Services (CPS):
- In 2019, the County received 7539 CPS reports. Despite the pandemic, in 2021, Westchester County received 6203 CPS reports.
- Child Welfare continues to focus on the safe reduction of children in foster care. At the end of 2021, 363 children were in foster care, compared with 471 children in 2019.
- The Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) is designed for a foster child to achieve a permanent placement with a committed adult who had been the child’s foster parent for at least six months. In 2021, 38 children in foster care found permanent homes with extended family members through the Kinship Guardianship Program (KinGAP). In 2021, 48 children in foster care found permanent homes through adoption.
Meet the staff of the County's Child Welfare offices:
