DCF Family Services Chair advocates for pause on Raise the Age initiative in Vermont

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss pressing issues within Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF), particularly focusing on the "Raise the Age" initiative. The meeting featured testimony from the DCF Family Services Labor Management Committee Chair, who has over 22 years of experience in various roles within the department.

The Chair emphasized the need to pause the implementation of the "Raise the Age" initiative, citing ongoing challenges within the DCF system. Despite recent improvements, such as the openings of Red Clover and the Katz team, the Chair noted that community partners are still struggling with staffing shortages and operational capacity. This situation has resulted in extensive waitlists for services, which directly impacts the ability of DCF workers to meet state and federal requirements for their caseloads.

The Chair highlighted the complexity of cases handled by family services workers, who juggle responsibilities as both juvenile services and child protection workers. This dual role requires them to manage a variety of tasks, including supervising visits, transporting children, and attending court hearings. The Chair pointed out that while data may indicate stable caseload numbers, it does not reflect the increasing complexity of individual cases, particularly when large sibling groups are involved.

A significant concern raised was the high turnover rate among DCF staff, which currently stands between 16% and 17%. This turnover leads to a diminished capacity within districts, forcing experienced workers to take on the most challenging cases, further exacerbating burnout and impacting service delivery. The Chair stressed that the DCF system relies heavily on community partners to provide necessary supports and services, and when these partners are unable to meet demands, the burden falls back on DCF.

The testimony concluded with a call for a reevaluation of the "Raise the Age" initiative, arguing that the current system is not equipped to handle additional responsibilities without compromising the quality of care provided to vulnerable children and families. The Chair urged for a focus on stabilizing the workforce and ensuring that existing staff can effectively engage with families to build trust and meaningful relationships, which are essential for successful outcomes.

The meeting underscored the critical state of Vermont's child welfare system and the urgent need for strategic planning to address staffing and resource challenges before advancing new initiatives.