Social Services

PREVENTION ASSESSMENT/BRIDGES PROGRAM

Social Services believes that every child should be afforded the opportunity to live a life free from abuse and neglect. The Prevention and Assessment/Bridges Team strives to prevent abuse/neglect and foster care placement of children in Prince William County by providing the best services possible to the families and children. Referrals are received from the Child Protective Services (CPS) Intake Hotline. Our services include:

The Prevention Assessment team work consists of referrals received from the CPS Intake Hotline that do not meet the definition of abuse/neglect, but may exhibit risk factors associated with abuse/neglect of children. Referrals for the Bridges Program are also received through the Prince William County school system. In addition, the Prevention Team receives court orders for transfer of possible custody or a child relief of custody and home assessments. Our team also participates in Child Comprehensive Studies.  Currently, we serve 55 elementary schools.

The Bridges Program deals primarily with pregnant teenagers, including both the expectant mother and father. The program helps the pregnant teenager remain in school; offers pregnant teens, expectant fathers and their families an advocacy/support group for parenting; and aims to prevent abuse/neglect. This program serves 12 high schools, as well as middle schools. There is also community education and prevention work that is performed by all team members.