The DSS is a state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting children from child abuse and neglect. DSS is committed to protecting children and strengthening families. When children are abused or neglected by the people responsible for caring for them, DSS will intervene to ensure the safety of the children. DSS responds to reports of abuse or neglect 24 hours a day. DSS becomes involved if there are any concerns that caretakers, parents, step-parents, guardians or other persons responsible for caring for children may be abusing or neglecting these children. Whenever possible and appropriate, DSS attempts to keep families intact. DSS reviews all the reports of child abuse and neglect received by the agency. If it is determined that abuse or neglect has occurred, or if a child appears to be at risk of being hurt, or is being neglected, DSS takes action to protect that child.

             Meeting Timeline: .

             The Child abuse and support group is an open ended and ongoing group that meets once every week for 90 minutes. .

             Purpose of the Group: .

             The purpose of the group is for clients to identify what personal behaviors and stressors contribute to upheaval in the family and can create an environment that facilitates neglect, to help develop insight into how stress and other external factors can affect people mentality, and to help members identify ways to manage stress in their everyday lives and reduce the potential for neglect and create a loving and embracing environment. .

             Members Significant Information: .

             The number of members participating in the group varies from week to week. In this weeks group eight family members were present including 5 women and 3 men. .

             Leader's significant identifying information:.

             The group leader is a 35 years old American male, with an MSW from Salem State University. He has had several years of previous experience leading groups with family in hospitals, conferences and mental health agencies.