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New direction for social services department

And in recognition the department's name will be changed to Child and Family Services on April 1.Director of Social Services Ms Luelle Todd said it was appropriate to change in the International Year of the Family.

Social Services Department.

And in recognition the department's name will be changed to Child and Family Services on April 1.

Director of Social Services Ms Luelle Todd said it was appropriate to change in the International Year of the Family.

Ms Todd said: "Bermuda has a solid track record in ensuring that basic social services are provided.

"It is recognised that social and economic circumstances have changed, and our services must change to meet the emerging needs of the community.

"The new department will form a single responsibility centre for all child and family services whether delivered or funded by the Government.'' The department will now direct the delivery of services to children and families through four main programmes.

Firstly family services will continue to carry out some services related to adoptions, focussing on "at risk'' and "high risk'' children and families.

It will continue to build its expertise in the area of child abuse and neglect, foster care and severe family dysfunction.

The second programme is the day care centre, providing a better preschool programme for children from three months to four years old. It will be directed at vulnerable or at risk families, the centre will continue to promote the social, emotional and intellectual growth of children.

Thirdly the residential care programme is in the process of being rearranged.

Reachout Rehabilitation Community has been revamped to focus on adolescent boys and young males.

In the four facilities, Reachout, the Youth Development Centre, the Brangman Home and the Observatory Cottage efforts are now being directed towards the development of intake, secure, assessment and treatment services.

Additionally, for the first time, residents completing the residential programme will go into a transition programme where they will learn additional living skills before they return home.

Finally probation services will continue to provide advice and assistance to juveniles and adults who are involved with the criminal justice system.

A close link between this service, family services and residential care will support our efforts in prevention, early intervention treatment and after care services for children and families in difficulty.

Ms Todd said: "These four programmes will work very closely with the Child Development Project, a programme sponsored jointly by the Minister of Health, Social Services and Housing and the Minister of Education.

"The prevention and early intervention activities of C.D.P. will work in tandem with the activities of the Child and Family Services Department.'' The Child and Family Services Department will continue to maintain statutory services that are expected by residents of Bermuda.

Ms Todd said: "Further it will create an environment for services for children and families to be integrated and better co-ordinated.

"Through this department, grants are being provided to the Sunshine League, Women's Resource Centre and Physical Abuse Centre to assist the provision of services for children or families who have been traumatised or who are in difficult circumstances.

"The establishment of the Department of Child and Family Services will ensure that children and families have access to appropriate services, both public and private and that these services are provided efficiently and effectively in order to meet client needs.''