Preventive Services

Preventive Services cares for families referred to BVS by the Erie County Department of Social Services who may be experiencing difficulties related to parenting, interpersonal problems, educational issues, alcoholism, drug abuse, family and/or community violence, or sexual abuse. The goal of the program is to preserve the family unit, avoiding placement of a child outside of the home. This is accomplished through individual, family and group counseling, as well as psychological consultation.

Trained staff members help families learn to cope with everyday stresses, and to build skills such as effective parenting, nutrition, budgeting/financial management, homemaking, appropriate health/hygiene and medical care management.

The program also provides referrals to community services as needed. Staff members help to identify problems and stabilize them — and then step away — allowing the members of the family to use what they have learned and function independently.

Our Goal is to Help Families Stay Together

To accomplish this, we utilize a home-based approach, offering all of the following services:

• Individual Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Instruction in Parenting Skills
• Support with Everyday Stresses
• Advocacy
• Referral to Community Services
• Psychological Consultation
• Psychiatric Assessment

Who do we serve?

The Baker Victory Preventive Services program offers care to families whose children are at risk of Foster Care placement due to child- and/or parent-service needs.  In addition, we provide assistance to expectant mothers and families with infants who may need a helping hand.

All Caseworkers work toward strengthening and stabilizing family units through a comprehensive, strength based and family-focused approach. The entire family unit is involved in the treatment plan.

How Can a Family Access the Program?

All referrals must be certified as eligible for Preventive Services by the Erie County Department of Social Services.  Once eligible, assistance is provided without regard to income.