(a)As used in this chapter:
(1)“Concrete supports” means community services and resources to address the immediate needs of the family or contribute to the long-term well-being of the family, or both.
(2)“Parent child center” means a community-based organization established for the purpose of providing prevention and early intervention through the core services listed in subsection (d) of this section on behalf of the State.
(3)“Parent Child Center Network” or “Network” means an Agency of Human Services’ community partner composed of authorized parent child centers that ensures accountability and collaboration among authorized parent child centers.
(4)“Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services or designee.
(b)(1) The Secretary shall authorize a parent child center in accordance
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(a) As used in this chapter:
(1) “Concrete supports” means community services and resources to address the immediate needs of the family or contribute to the long-term well-being of the family, or both.
(2) “Parent child center” means a community-based organization established for the purpose of providing prevention and early intervention through the core services listed in subsection (d) of this section on behalf of the State.
(3) “Parent Child Center Network” or “Network” means an Agency of Human Services’ community partner composed of authorized parent child centers that ensures accountability and collaboration among authorized parent child centers.
(4) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Human Services or designee.
(b)(1) The Secretary shall authorize a parent child center in accordance with this chapter.
(2) The Secretary shall conduct a reauthorization review of each authorized parent child center at least every six years.
(3) The Parent Child Center Network may recommend to the Secretary one or more new parent child centers for authorization. Upon receipt of the Network’s recommendations, the Secretary shall review each parent child center recommended for authorization to ensure it meets the criteria set forth in subsection (c) of this section. A parent child center recommended by the Network and determined to meet the criteria in subsection (c) of this section by the Secretary may be deemed an authorized parent child center.
(c) In order to be eligible for authorization pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, a parent child center shall:
(1) Receive some funding from one or more private, local, or federal source. Contributions in kind, whether material, commodities, transportation, or office space, may be used to satisfy the contribution requirement of this subdivision.
(2) Qualify for tax exempt status under the provisions of Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(3) Have a board of directors:
(A) whose membership reflects the growing diversity of Vermont’s children and families, including individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, as well as with regard to socioeconomic status, geographic location, gender, sexual identity, and disability status; and
(B) that has parent representation.
(4) Represent a designated geographic catchment area.
(5) Complete a peer review every three years, which shall be conducted by the Parent Child Center Network.
(6) Provide each of the eight core services set forth in subsection (d) of this section.
(7) Indicate an intention to participate in the Parent Child Center Network as a member.
(8) Work to achieve population-level quality-of-life outcomes related to children and families pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 2311.
(9) Have an advisory committee that meets regularly and provides input, guidance, and feedback to the board of directors on programs and services provided by the parent child center.
(d) An authorized parent child center shall provide, either directly or indirectly through formal community partnerships, the following eight core services:
(1) home visits;
(2) early childhood services;
(3) parent education;
(4) playgroups;
(5) parent support groups;
(6) concrete supports;
(7) community development; and
(8) resources and referrals. (Added 1989, No. 269 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 2021, No. 20, § 326; 2021, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2022; 2021, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2024.)