Our statement.

The Root Social Justice Center affirms its ongoing commitment to ensuring justice, care, and dignity for all children and youth in Vermont, especially those impacted by systems of DCF custody. We understand from recent articles in the Brattleboro Reformer and WCAX that the Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division has recently signed a multi‑year, 21.5 million dollar contract with the Cornell Abraxas Group to operate a new crisis‑stabilization program for youth in DCF custody in Brattleboro designed to serve children ages 10–18 who require short‑term support. 

While the Root acknowledges the need for immediate placement support, we remain opposed to models of congregate care for children and youth in DCF custody that include or are connected to law enforcement in any capacity and facilities that have a known history of abusing children. We are particularly concerned that this investment in congregate care places children at the Sheriff’s office in Brattleboro. Though Deputy Commissioner Aryka Radke emphasizes the Sheriff has nothing to do with the program other than leasing the space, this type of setting, even when intended for stabilization, can replicate institutional dynamics that isolate young people from their families, communities, and opportunities for healing outside of confinement. 

The Cornell Abraxas Group, an affiliate of Abraxas Youth and Family Services is currently under scrutiny for its documented history of allegations of staff abuse towards children in one of their facilities in Pennsylvania.The Abraxas affiliate, Abraxas Alliance agreed to a $9 million federal grant to hold up to 30 unaccompanied migrant children deemed dangers to themselves. We know from statewide data that Vermont’s Department for Children and Families currently directs only 2 % of its child welfare budget toward prevention, while the overwhelming share goes toward expensive out-of-home care. This investment imbalance means that many families do not get the help they need before things reach crisis levels. The Root calls on the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and our state’s policymakers to pursue and expand effective, non‑residential solutions that truly meet the needs of children and youth in DCF custody. This includes: 

• Strengthening in‑home support and preventive resources so children can remain safely with their families and in their communities whenever possible; 

• Investing in trauma‑informed community programs that address underlying needs rather than creating new placements; 

• Increasing support networks for families — including culturally responsive services and advocacy — that help prevent entry into the custody system; and 

• Ensuring that oversight, accountability, and meaningful youth and family voice are central to any care model that directly impacts children. 

We urge DCF to prioritize solutions grounded in community care, dignity, and justice — not just temporary stabilization — as part of a larger commitment to transformative change for young people in our state. The Root remains ready to work collaboratively with policymakers, advocates, and impacted families to develop alternatives that keep children safe, supported, and connected to the communities they call home.