"Every child needs a safe environment in which to grow. Every child should feel safe at home." Steve Loyer, President, Tech Group and Tech Vault, South Burlington Learn More

"[The State’s] family services staff cannot always open a case – even where there is cause for concern...KidSafe can be invaluable, getting supports in place before a tragedy happens." Marc Carr, VT Department for Children and Families/Family Services, Burlington, District Director Learn More

"A lot of folks are now aware of the situation. This student won’t ‘fall through the cracks’ any more." Teacher participant, KidSafe Child Protection Team meeting Learn More

"When a child is in danger, parents often need multiple supports, from multiple agencies. So we must have someone whose only ‘agenda’ is to keep everyone focused on child safety. That someone is KidSafe." Ellen Sklar, Victim Services Specialist, State of Vermont (retired) Learn More

"KidSafe keeps moving forward the agenda of child abuse and neglect prevention in Chittenden County." Jane Helmstetter, VT Agency of Human Services, Field Services Director Learn More

"No one was shaking their heads at us or judging us, they were there to help." Parent participant, KidSafe Child Protection Team meeting Learn More

Together we can keep kids safe from abuse and neglect. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR LUNCHEON

We are excited to announce we have a new date for the 2020 KidSafe Awards Luncheon, September 24, 2020. We look forward to gathering for this wonderful celebration to recognize our amazing awardees! Tickets can be purchased at https://ksawards2020.eventbrite.com/ *Any tickets previously purchased will be honored for the new date.

The 2020 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awardees:

Lifetime Achievement:  Brenda Hamlin (Vermont Kin As Parents)

Outstanding Professional: Kathy Gallagher (Edmunds Middle School)

Outstanding Collaboration: Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV)

Janet S. Munt Prevention Award: The Lullaby Project (Scrag Mountain Music [with Lund and Writers In Recovery])

Gregory Packan Outstanding Advocacy: Anne Johnston, posthumous (UVM Children’s Hospital Neonatology)

Promising Professional: Ashley Lavigne (DCF Family Services)

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Anne Johnston passed away following a courageous battle she waged against brain cancer.  As a neonatologist at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, her work as an advocate for infants who had been exposed to opioids and their families made an enormous difference in our region and state, and the model of care she created and implemented for these babies and their parents and caregivers has become a national model for successful treatment of these children. She was a founding and continuing member of the ChARM (Children and Recovering Mothers) team, where we all had the benefit of learning from Anne and working in partnership with her. She shared not only her medical expertise, but her commitment to listening to and learning from the pregnant women and mothers with a history of opioid use disorder, and a commitment to treating all with respect and dignity. Her influence and legacy will be carried forward by all of us fortunate to know and work with her.

 -Sally

Anne's Obituary can be found here

Online donations in memory of Anne can be made here