The March 8 edition of “County Conversation” podcast features Andy Baumert, program manager with Child Protective Services and Protection and Preservation Services in the Department of Family Services’ Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Division, which includes programs designed to protect children from harm, prevent child abuse and neglect, support families and help them remain together safely for the long-term emotional and physical health of the children.
Child Protective Services (CPS) staff receive and respond to reports of abused and neglected children and provide services to strengthen families by enhancing parents’ capacity to nurture their children in a safe environment. In addition to the services that are provided during business hours, CPS on-call staff respond during non-business hours to child abuse and neglect referrals that require an immediate response.
“There's several [resources] that we have access to. One is we can help get families connected to counseling resources and mental health resources in the community. We also have the ability to contract with home-based counselors,” said Baumert. “And we can set up meetings where we bring family members together to talk about how they can be a support as well.”
Baumert also noted that while he never thought he would get into Child Protective Services as a career, the work of CPS “is the most challenging job I've had.”
Resources
- The Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline can be reached at 703-324-7400. Learn more about reporting child abuse.
- Information about Children, Youth and Families (CYF) Division programs is online.
- Join the Department of Family Services if you're interested in social work.
THE COUNTY CONVERSATION PODCAST
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Click here to listen to past episodes of "County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
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