On Thursday in Montpelier, state lawmakers held a joint hearing to hear from the state on how their plans are going to improve juvenile services.The state has dealt with issues at its treatment facilities in the past, including the former Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, which led to a lawsuit requiring the state to pay out over $4 million to victims earlier this year.The state acknowledged the shadow of Woodside looms large on them, which is why they're now focused on creating a more therapeutic approach compared to corrections.The Vermont State Employees Association testified on behalf of their Department for Children and Families members who say their workplace is unsafe. "We need action now. The members of the VSEA are calling on the governor to declare a state of emergency for DCF Family Services," Steve Howard, the executive director of the VSEA, said. "I don’t have to remind this committee one family service worker murdered, another family worker sexually assaulted."The key issue is the lack of safe and stable treatment facilities for employees, which the state understands unveiling plans for new facilities at the hearing. "We’re seeing acute care that’s needed at levels we haven’t seen before. There’s just so much pressure on the system right now," Chris Winters, the commissioner of DCF, said. The department has temporary and permanent locations in the works in Middlesex, Brattleboro and Newbury and is looking for more partners. However, the soonest one could be online is the Middlesex location in January, but that’s no guarantee. "Supply chain ever since the pandemic has been very challenging for BGS and has caused project delays," Jennifer Fitch, the commissioner of the Department of Buildings and General Services, said.For the union, that’s just not quick enough."We cannot wait six years, six months, six weeks, six hours, or six minutes for a solution or even some relief. We need action now," Howard said. In response to Thursday's hearing and the request for a state of emergency, Gov. Phil Scott's spokesperson said they are actively working to create a better system and approach, but they’ll need the legislature to be a willing partner this session to make the necessary improvements.
On Thursday in Montpelier, state lawmakers held a joint hearing to hear from the state on how their plans are going to improve juvenile services.
The state has dealt with issues at its treatment facilities in the past, including the former Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, which led to a lawsuit requiring the state to pay out over $4 million to victims earlier this year.
The state acknowledged the shadow of Woodside looms large on them, which is why they're now focused on creating a more therapeutic approach compared to corrections.
The Vermont State Employees Association testified on behalf of their Department for Children and Families members who say their workplace is unsafe.
"We need action now. The members of the VSEA are calling on the governor to declare a state of emergency for DCF Family Services," Steve Howard, the executive director of the VSEA, said. "I don’t have to remind this committee one family service worker murdered, another family worker sexually assaulted."
The key issue is the lack of safe and stable treatment facilities for employees, which the state understands unveiling plans for new facilities at the hearing.
"We’re seeing acute care that’s needed at levels we haven’t seen before. There’s just so much pressure on the system right now," Chris Winters, the commissioner of DCF, said.
The department has temporary and permanent locations in the works in Middlesex, Brattleboro and Newbury and is looking for more partners. However, the soonest one could be online is the Middlesex location in January, but that’s no guarantee.
"Supply chain ever since the pandemic has been very challenging for BGS and has caused project delays," Jennifer Fitch, the commissioner of the Department of Buildings and General Services, said.
For the union, that’s just not quick enough.
"We cannot wait six years, six months, six weeks, six hours, or six minutes for a solution or even some relief. We need action now," Howard said.
In response to Thursday's hearing and the request for a state of emergency, Gov. Phil Scott's spokesperson said they are actively working to create a better system and approach, but they’ll need the legislature to be a willing partner this session to make the necessary improvements.
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State employee union calls for state of emergency in regard to juveniles treatment services - WPTZ
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