Family Research Unit

Title of Project: Family Research Unit

Principal Investigator (PI): Melony A. Price-Rhodes, PhD

Current Project Partners: Fairfax County Dept. of Family Services: Child Protective Services and Foster Care and Adoptions Program (Fairfax/Falls Church Children’s Services Act)

Project Description: The Institute has a contractual relationship with Fairfax County, VA to support the implementation of multiple child welfare programs in that jurisdiction. The Institute's FRU works closely with agency management and staff of the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Foster Care and Adoptions Program, Child Protective Services Program and Fairfax-Falls Church Children's Services Act (CSA) staff to provide technical assistance and expertise in assuring appropriate governmental support for eligible youth.

Project Goals: The overarching goal of the VTIPG Family Research Unit is to identify, pursue and provide a seamless process that ensures that eligible children receive all available public resources to which they are entitled.