Agency Details:

Vermont Children's Aid

From the inception of our agency in 1919 in response to the disaster of childhood homelessness caused by the Influenza Epidemic, our chief function has been the discovery of unmet needs of Vermont children and then bringing those discoveries to the attention of the public. Our objective has always been and continues to be the preservation of family groups and increasing the opportunities for positive outcomes for children.

Description:
A new childhood disaster now faces Vermont children - the impact of the increase in incarceration. Imprisonment disrupts family relationships for more than 4,500 Vermont children each year. In response to this need, VCAS has developed a unique approach to working with incarcerated parents and their children to promote safe and healthy relationships and strengthen positive family connections - Kids-A-Part.

The Kids-A-Part program is based on research that supports the theory that healthy family connections are beneficial for both the child and their incarcerated parent. Our work examines the criminal justice system through the eyes of a child, which leads to a recognition of the impact parental incarceration has on a child - a need that is not only unmet, but is mostly unrecognized. The societal benefits from this work include reduced recidivism and a decrease in intergenerational criminal justice involvement as well as improved outcomes for children.

Contact people:

Denise Nagelschmidt, Executive Director, (802) 655-0006, (email) Tara Graham, Program Director, (802) 655-0006, (email)

Office fax number: (802) 655-0073

Address:

79 Weaver St., PO Box 127 Winooski, VT 05404 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.vtcas.org

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: Yes, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

1. What target populations does your agency serve?
	Kids-A-Part serves Vermont children who have been impacted by parental incarceration, their caregivers and their families.
3. How many paid staff (FTE) do you have?
	5
The organization's main phone number is
	802 655-0006
4. Please indicate your organization type:
	Independent 501 (c)3
How many clients do you serve annually?
	more than 2,000
Volunteers for this agency can serve in these county(s):
	Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties

Last updated on October 26, 2009