Vulnerable Children & Adults

Why is this area of government important?

By any measure, the protection of vulnerable children and adults is one of state government’s most important responsibilities.

Each year, thousands of children and adults need protection, financial support, medical care, food assistance or other services from the Departments of Social & Health Services, Early Learning, and Veterans Affairs.

What is state government’s role?

State employees and agencies interact with vulnerable people in a very wide array of programs and settings. Many vulnerable children and adults are legal wards of the state and require all the services and assistance that relationship implies.

Among their diverse roles, state social workers respond to allegations of suspected child abuse or neglect; oversee the foster care system; license and inspect adult family homes, and operate regional mental health hospitals and related community service centers.

Other critical programs help military veterans and their families get the services and assistance they need, and the benefits to which they are entitled, thanks to their service to the country.

Which state agencies are involved in this area?