Protecting the Family: A Look at Family Services

Today’s episode winds up our discussions with the professionals in the Portsmouth Department of Social Services. These individuals that comprise the department work around the clock to protect and serve children, adults, and families. Joining us on this issue of Let’s Talk Portsmouth is Ms. Nokima Stith, Family Services Supervisor in the In-Home Services Unit. The In-Home Services Unit plays a vital role in identifying services and resources that prevent children from entering foster care. The staff help children remain safely in their homes or with relative–kin caregivers. They focus on family engagement, identifying individual needs, creating service plans, monitoring progress, and continually assessing the safety, risk, and protective capabilities of the family component.