What is one primary aim of the Department of Social Services?

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has a fundamental mission to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a core responsibility of DSS, underlining the agency's commitment to ensuring that children grow up in safe environments free from harm. This focus on child protection involves investigating reports of abuse or neglect, providing services to families, and working in conjunction with other entities to ensure children's safety and welfare.

While ensuring children receive adequate nutrition, providing job training for parents, and managing community health initiatives are important facets of social services, they are often part of broader objectives that support family stability and health. However, the primary aim of DSS directly targets the protection of children, thereby emphasizing the urgent need to prevent harm to this vulnerable group. This mission aligns with the establishment of laws and programs designed to intervene when children's safety is at risk, making the protection of children from abuse and neglect paramount.