Michelle Stewart
Director
Office Phone: (718)852-6004 x271
Email Address:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that services Veteran Families known and unknown to ACS Child Protective Services who have ongoing or potential child abuse or neglect issues. The program's objective is to prevent Foster Care placements and/or retain family reunification.

We believe a family, in the absence of violence, neglect, injury and drugs, can provide the best environment for a child’s development. The TANF Preventive Services Program marshals resources that:

• Prevent recurrent child abuse and neglect
• Prevent placement or return to foster care
• Facilitate the transition of caretakers from residential treatment back to their families and their communities

Using a client-centered model, this program provides supporive case management services. The program works closely with clients, the extended family, and other agencies to reduce foster care placement and replacement. The ultimate goal is to reunite and support the family unit. As part of our dedication to the family, case management continues 2-6 months after the initial reunification to insure family stability. The Staff of TANF Preventive Services — Director, Case Managers, Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor and Program Administrative Assistant — provide the following services:

• Supportive Case Management
• Individual and Group Support Services
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Parenting Workshops
• Education and Employment Referral
• Family and Housing Court Advocacy
• Inter-agency Case Coordination
• Food Pantry
• Appointment Escorts

 
Program Eligibility

We serve families and individuals with:

• Low to moderate incomes
• One or more child abuse or maltreatment report filed
• A history of alcohol/substance abuse
• Children placed out — of — home with alcohol and or substance abuse as a contributing factor.

Discharge Criteria

BVSJ works for families’ survival and requires the families to work for their own survival. There is NO time limit to our service. However, families may be discharged from the program due to:

• Court-ordered termination of parental rights
• Parent no longer desires to retain custody
• Parent does not participate in the program

Providers

Our Preventive Services are provided through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and administered by NYS Office of Children and Families and NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.