NH DHHS Frequently Asked Questions

NH DHHS website
Note from unhappygrammy-This page show's the way DCYF is supposed to practice, but they don't!

DCYF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services are available to families in need?
2. What are prevention services?
3. What is reimbursement and who must pay?
4. How is DCYF held accountable?
5. How do I object to a DCYF decision or file a complaint about DCYF?
6. What is the difference between the Staff Development and Training Bureau, the Staff Development Partnership and the Education and Training Partnership?
7. How does the DCYF define domestic violence?
8. What services can DCYF provide to victims of domestic violence who have been referred for child protective services?
9. How is a teen referred to the Adolescent Program for independent living services?
10. What life and skills training is available for foster parents and group home staff to help teens transition to adult life?


Questions & Answers:
1. What services are available to families in need?
DCYF staff refer some families to prevention services to prevent child abuse and neglect. Other familes may receive voluntary services, short-term child placement and referrals to the local Family Resource and Support agency. If the family becomes involved in the court system, DCYF staff may recommend a wide range of community-based services including child care, family counseling, home-based services, parent aid and transportation. The services are subject to reimbursement.

2. What are prevention services?
To keep children safe from harm, child abuse and neglect, prevention services are provided to families who may be concerned that they are at risk of having a child placed out of the home due to abuse or neglect. These services are provided through community based programs and include family support programs, mediation, adolescent pregnancy programs, early intervention education, after school programs, court diversion and mentoring. The services are subject to reimbursement.

3. What is reimbursement and who must pay?
Parents and others chargeable by law for a minor's support and necessities will usually be required to reimburse the government for all or part of the cost of services, programs and placements provided to the child and the family, based on the family's ability to pay.

4. How is DCYF held accountable?
DCYF operates within a system of checks and balances. Federal and State reviews, legislative committees, judges, reviews by the DHHS Office of the Commissioner, the DCYF Advisory Board, court appointed special advocates, the Family Empowerment Council, and agencies within communities are involved in on-going review of DCYF's performance.

5. How do I object to a DCYF decision or file a complaint about DCYF?Back to top
Report your concern to the Child Protective Service Worker or his or her Supervisor in a DHHS District Office. An additional contact is the Program Manager in each DHHS District Office. These staff review case records and can best research the facts. Request a meeting in which you can voice your specific concerns and work toward mediating an outcome. Your concern may also be referred to the DHHS Ombudsman's Office for review.

6. What is the difference between the Staff Development and Training Bureau, the Staff Development Partnership and the Education and Training Partnership?Back to top
The Staff Development and Training Bureau is a bureau within the Division for Children, Youth and Families responsible for DCYF training. The Bureau maintains two contracts with agencies to assist in providing these services:

The Northeastern Family Institute (NFI), Staff Development Partnership provides all internal training for DCYF staff of which select trainings are open to outside agency staff, service providers, residential care providers, foster and adoptive parents and other interested persons.
The College for Lifelong Learning (CLL) Education and Training Partnership provides foster parent training and caregiver on-going training.


7. How does the DCYF define domestic violence?Back to top
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another person that may include physical violence, sexual, emotional or psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking or economic control. Any family member that is referred for DCYF child protective services, regardless of age, can receive services.

8. What services can DCYF provide to victims of domestic violence who have been referred for child protective services?
A Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW) can refer a victim to a local crisis center or to a domestic violence advocate. Throughout this process the CPSW works to maintain the victim's safety. The advocate may provide many of the support services including safety planning, emotional support, and community referrals such as pro-bono legal assistance. All contacts between clients and advocates are confidential.

9. How is a teen referred to the Adolescent Program for independent living services?
A Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW) or a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer (JPPO) must make the referral.

10. What life and skills training is available for foster parents and group home staff to help teens transition to adult life?Back to top
The "NH TRAILS" (Teen Responsibilities Around Independent Living Services) training is offered regularly in each region of NH by trainers from the NH University System's College for Lifelong Learning to residential staff, foster parents, mentors, employment advocates and other providers. The goal of the training is to teach providers to help youth learn the skills they need to succeed in adulthood and be able to reach their full potential.

http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DCYF/FAQs/default.htm#4