Arlene L. - Educator

[Name changed at the request of participant]:

“John B was referred by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after a 51A report was filed on behalf of the family due to concerning allegations of neglect in November 2018. Prior to the opening of the case, the father was immediately removed from the home to deal with his legal matters. The case remained open for further investigation with DCF and John and his sister was enrolled in a child care program together. It was reported by the social worker that John has a strong bond with both mothers, fathers, and sisters. John was enrolled with his sister at Central Square and that’s when staff began to witness the tight bond between the siblings. John would reframe from interacting with his peers and would shy away from conversations that didn’t involve his sister. Staff would give monthly reports that John had good behavior and is not usually the child that gets into any trouble. It was also reported that John does well in the program and frequently has a positive, go-to attitude. Despite the involvement with the Department of Children and Families, the mother was consistent with their Family stabilization team to increase awareness on how to keep the children safe, was educated on issues of domestic violence, and engaged in family therapy for four months with both children. Mother was able to understand the Department’s involvement, protect and keep the children safe until the end of services. Staff reported for the month of August that John has made tremendous improvements, since November 2018, he has behaved, very social with their peers, and engaged well in all activities. Although the father was engaged in services for half of the time while DCF remained involved, he has returned back to the home with his family as of May 2019 and the case with the Department of Children and Families closed. Once the case closed the family received the additional year which has ended and was informed that they are eligible for an income eligibility slot. Affordable Child should be essential to all by increasing the child care assistance for low-income and middle-class families so that they don’t depend on the Department of Children and Families for a voucher. Although families are excited about the closing of their cases, that’s one weight lifted, and to find out after that additional year that you have to pay for child care should not implement fear and worries. If families lack additional support in their communities then parents are left to pay for child care with more than half of their checks, which leaves some families in a financial strain trying to take care of their families on the small income after child care fees.”