INTRO
Children are our future and as a community we have a responsibility to help each child reach their full potential.
For more information about these prevention programs and resources, please reach out to us at DCSPreventionquestions@dcs.in.gov.
DCS Prevention Programs
- Healthy Families Indiana (HFI) is a voluntary home visitation program designed to promote healthy families and healthy children through a variety of services, including child development, access to health care and parent education.
HFI Goals:
Promote healthy childhood growth and development. Enhance family functioning by reducing risk and building protective factors for optimal childhood outcomes. Provide staff training and support for professional wellbeing.
- Community Partners for Child Safety (CPCS) is a statewide prevention program. It is designed to strengthen the family unit and build support services. It is voluntary, free, and provides home-based services to connect families with resources. DCS collaborates with 5 CPCS agencies to provide service in all 92 counties.
Family Resource Centers (FRC) are a focal point of DCS and an extension of primary prevention services. There are currently four operating FRCs. They are in Delaware, Grant, Madison, and Tipton counties and a part of the Strengthening Indiana Families (SIF) project, which is funded by the Community Collaborations grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families and Firefly Children and Family Alliance. The FRC envisions, “Strong and caring communities throughout Indiana where families have equitable access to the resources they need to be connected and safe.” The vision explains they believe all families and communities have strengths, and most parents aim to be good parents, want the best for their children and do better when they have support.
Learn more about Strengthening Indiana Families here.
What is a Family Resource Center (FRC)?
Family Resource Centers are generally community or school-based drop-in centers located in many settings, including schools, libraries, community centers, housing complexes, and faith-based buildings. They offer a safe, strength-based place for family-oriented on-site programs, resources, activities, and classes to strengthen families in their communities.
Family Resource Centers are a warm and welcoming place in the community where family members can access formal and informal supports to promote their health and well-being, not only in times of need but as a regular part of day-to-day life. FRCs provide multiple services and resources to diverse families and children, increase protective factors, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. In sum, many consider an FRC to be a hub of support, services, and opportunities for families that:
- Utilizes and approach that is multi-generational, strength-based, and family centered
- Reflects and is responsive to community needs and interests
- Provides support at no, or low cost for participants
Neighborhoods with FRCs had 26% lower rate of child abuse and neglect investigations than similar neighborhoods without them. (University of Chicago Chapin Hall study)
- Youth Services Bureaus & Safe Place provide a variety of programs aimed at preventing delinquent behavior in teenagers.
- Safe Home, Families First: Title IV-Prevention Plan allows Indiana to claim federal dollars going back to Oct. 1, 2021, for services delivered to families to prevent children from having to enter foster care.
Other Prevention Resources
The framework provides a road map for the state and local communities to better support, empower, and protect families. It is centered on primary prevention efforts, or services and interventions available to the general population, to prevent child maltreatment before it happens. Download the framework and toolkit here.
- Kid's First Trust Fund (KFTF)
The mission of the Kids First Trust Fund is to promote the health of children and reduce infant mortality by funding programs which prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and is committed to making Indiana a better, safer place for Indiana’s most precious resources – our children.
allows families access to needed services so that children do not enter the child welfare or probation system for the sole purpose of accessing mental health assistance.
Safe Sleep Locations
The Indiana State Department of Health, in collaboration with DCS, has established partnerships with agencies in the State of Indiana to provide safe sleep education and Infant Survival Kits. (on infant portable crib, fitted sheet with safe sleep message imprinted on it, wearable blanket, pacifier, and safe sleep recommendations) for families who do not have safe places for their infants to sleep. As part of the program, a number of educational materials that will help caregivers learn more about safe sleep are provided. Click here for program information.Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Resources
Various resources types are available under the resource tab.
To view informative brochures and fact sheets, go to Safety and General Information.
Training
- The Institute for Strengthening Families
- Please check back for details on the upcoming 2024 Spring Institute!
Contacts
Hannah Robinson
Prevention Manager
302 W Washington St, Ste E306 MS 47
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hannah.Robinson@dcs.in.gov
765-265-6797
Spencer Ryan
Prevention Program Coordinator
302 W Washington St, Ste E306 MS 47
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Spencer.Ryan@dcs.in.gov
317-416-4318
Ashley Purdue
HFI Prevention Supervisor
302 W Washington St, Ste E306 MS 47
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Ashley.Purdue@dcs.in.gov
765-346-0110
Toni Duerson
Prevention Program Coordinator - HFI
302 W Washington St, Ste E306 MS 47
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Toni.Duerson@dcs.in.gov
317-767-1425
Maria Grinston
CBCAP Grant Administrator
Maria.Grinston@dcs.in.gov
219-878-6370
Willie Taylor
Prevention Program Coordinator - CPCS
302 W Washington St, Ste E306 MS 47
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Willie.Taylor@dcs.in.gov
317-756-1309