What is KidSafe?
The KidSafe Collaborative is a local Vermont non-profit organization that engages with many other partners to create an integrated and improved community-wide response to child abuse and neglect.
What does the KidSafe Collaborative actually do?
The KidSafe Collaborative works at two levels to improve children's safety and well-being. On a family level, we coordinate and manage four different Child Protection Teams that address the issues of individual families with complex needs to respond directly to concerns of abuse and improve child safety.
On a systems level, we promote change at the community level through the KidSafe Collaborative Council, the Community Advisory Board and other collaborative groups on which we participate. Through these vehicles, we work to improve the protective, legal, medical and social systems which respond to child abuse and neglect.
How does KidSafe differ from Prevent Child Abuse VT (PCA-V)?
Prevent Child Abuse VT is a statewide organization which emphasizes increasing awareness on prevention of child abuse and neglect; they provide training statewide on Shaken Baby syndrome and other programs. In Chittenden County, they lead nurturing parent classes. Their work in raising awareness about child abuse helps us in our work. KidSafe is locally based and places our emphasis on working together with many partnering agencies to improve safety for children.
How many children has KidSafe helped this year?
The KidSafe Child Protection and Family Support Team, Triage Team and CHARM (Children and Recovering Mothers) Child Protection Team directly serve between 320- 350 children/families annually.
Where are your services available?
Our child protection team programs are available to children and families in Chittenden County, Vermont. Our mandatory reporter training is also available to communities and providers across Chittenden County.
Why is KidSafe an independent non-profit organization?
We are the one Chittenden County agency whose primary focus is the improved community response to and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Our partner agencies working with children and families recognize that no one single program can ensure the safety of a child and that they need the mutual and coordinated support of other agencies to help families. KidSafe provides leadership and a central role as a neutral convener and effective, trusted problem solver. Our collaborative process enhances the effectiveness of our partner agencies as we work together to improve child safety in the community.
Isn't child protection the responsibility of the state Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division?
Yes and no. The Family Services Division has a very clear, but relatively narrow, mandate to protect children. Working within the child protection team model with families where DCF may or may not be formally involved, we are able to focus on doing what is necessary to strengthen families and improve systems that keep children safe from abuse and neglect. In other words, we may be able to help where the formal systems cannot!
How is KidSafe managed?
KidSafe has a small staff of three employees supervised by our Executive Director Sally Borden. The organization is overseen by an active volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 12 community members from the public and private business sectors.
What percentage of your budget is spent on general administrative and fundraising costs?
Our general administration and fundraising expenses were equal to approximately 7.4% and 7.9%, respectively (15.3% total) of our budget during the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2008. These costs are projected at a comparable level for the current fiscal year.
Does KidSafe receive United Way funding?
Yes, KidSafe is currently receiving a United Way allocation for the Child Protection Team programs in 2008. KidSafe has been a United Way member agency for more than 20 years.
How can I learn more?
Explore our website. Contact us. Check out some of the links provided to national resources on our Child Abuse and Neglect Resources page.