Lawrence County Children and Youth Services

Information on Services

The mission of Lawrence County Children and Youth Services is to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, and to take steps to protect children through investigation. Steps will be taken to preserve families when possible. We will strive to assure that children will have safe permanent homes. The agency investigates reports of child abuse and neglect within Lawrence County. When necessary, after investigation and assessment, Lawrence County Children and Youth Services may take custody of abused and/or neglected children through court process. The children will then be placed in foster care or preferably placed with family when appropriate family is available. Lawrence County Children and Youth Services caseworkers will then prepare a written plan for the family and work with the family in an attempt to safely return the children home to their family. The family will be referred to appropriate services to eliminate the conditions that led to the removal of the child. If the child cannot be returned home safely the agency, through the courts, will work to find a permanent safe alternative home for the child. Lawrence County Children and Youth Services works with families and children when there is child abuse, child neglect, truancy, incorrigibility, or when children run away from home.