Parent Child Centers (PCCs) are a critical part of Vermont’s system of care for young children and families. The 15 designated PCCs serve families throughout the state by offering a set of eight Core Services that promote healthy development, prevent maltreatment, and support family stability. These services are designed to be flexible and responsive, whether a family needs emergency financial assistance, parenting support, or help navigating complex benefit systems. The work that PCCs do to help families access basic safety net programs and services is becoming increasingly important as critical supports that have protected the most vulnerable families – those with noncitizen members, parents who have lost jobs or are underemployed, and those who are without stable or safe housing – are being reduced or are more difficult to access.

The Alliance supports the Vermont PCC Network’s request for a $1.88 million increase to the PCC Integrated Grant. This funding will ensure that PCCs have staff capacity to serve more families who need support; to expand clients’ access to concrete supports that address immediate needs and buffer young children from extreme hardship; and to implement statewide benefits navigation, to help families enroll in and maintain eligibility for federal programs such as 3SquaresVT, WIC, Medicaid and other health insurance, and affordable housing.

Lead Organization: Vermont Parent Child Center Network

Data and Talking Points

• In 2024 PCCs helped over 4,000 families with concrete supports that provided short-term and emergency assistance to pay for basic needs such as food, diapers, utilities, and housing