Police Social Work Program
Creating partnerships between law enforcement and social services
The HCRS Police Social Work program was created in 2002 in response to needs expressed by the Bellows Falls community. It has been recognized by the legislature, Agency of Human Services, and NAMI-VT as a model program and has been replicated throughout the State.
The Police Social Work program is a collaboration between HCRS and the Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Springfield, Hartford, and Windsor police departments as well as the Vermont State Police at their Westminster and Royalton Barracks. HCRS staff are embedded in each police department and provide the following services:
- Mobile outreach and response to critical incidents
- Screening and assessment for mental health, substance abuse, and social service needs
- De-escalation and early intervention
- Case management and service coordination with community resources
The team seeks to intervene as pro-actively as possible to avoid client involvement with the criminal justice system, to interrupt the cycle of serious family, personal, and criminal problems, and to support positive behavior change.
For more information, please contact one of our Police Social Work Program’s Community Support Specialists at (802) 886-4500.
Testimonials
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I most enjoy spending time in the community and with [HCRS] staff.
DS service recipient -
My Service Coordinator makes me feel heard. They listen, understand, and show compassion.
DS service recipient -
I most like being able to go to work and have a job to support myself.
DS service recipient -
My son’s [HCRS] therapist meets with him at his school. She is amazing. She has developed a strong bond with him in a short amount of time. It is clear she is invested and wants him to succeed and feel good. We are very grateful for her.
Children’s service recipient -
Being able to have appointments through Zoom has been a huge help. It makes it easier to keep appointments, cuts down on stress as I don’t have to worry about transportation or if I can afford gas for my car. It also helps with anxiety when the weather is bad as I don’t have to drive. It is also really easy to get in contact with your team. Everyone is very reachable by either phone or email…I feel like I can reach out to either our case manager or counselor at any time, which helps with making me feel very supported.
CRT service recipient -
I most love that services are consistent and tailored to my daughter.
Children’s service recipient -
I most love that services are available both in-person or online.
Adult service recipient -
[HCRS] staff are kind and understanding.
Adult service recipient -
My son adores his provider and enjoys spending the time with her.
Children’s service recipient -
My case workers listen to me and understand that I know myself best and what works or doesn’t work for me.
CRT service recipient -
My counselor supports me in exploring successful approaches to dealing with my issues.
Adult service recipient -
I never feel like I’m being judged, so it’s easy to ask for whatever I need. In turn, staff have shown full and complete effort in finding the most effective ways to support my healing and growth.
Adult service recipient -
[HCRS] services have helped me feel more secure after being hospitalized for more than a year.
CRT service recipient -
I always feel welcomed and heard. Someone is always available in a time of need. It’s a no judgment zone.
Adult service recipient -
My counselor is very in tune to what I need.
Adult service recipient -
Everybody [at HCRS] works hard to help you.
Adult service recipient -
The online services option has worked best for me. My case worker is amazing, and I am glad for [HCRS] services.
Adult service recipient -
I feel like I can talk to my counselor about anything and everything openly.
Adult service recipient -
My case worker makes me feel like I’m a person.
Adult service recipient -
My suggestions are taken seriously. If I share ideas, HCRS will try to make it happen if they can.
CRT service recipient
