Family Networks Area Lead Agencies: As part of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Family Networks initiative, Justice Resource Institute has been designated by DSS as the Area Lead Agency for the Attleboro/Taunton, Cape Cod/Islands and Brockton Area Offices in the Southeast Region. In partnership with DSS, JRI develops and manages a comprehensive network of DSS contracted services and community supports for children, adolescents, and their families, and provides case coordination through Family Team meetings. The goal of the network is to achieve permanency for DSS children and adolescents through family preservation, or by unifying or reunifying children and families. For youth for whom permanency within a family setting is not possible, the goal is to ensure that they are prepared to live independently in the community. Network services include an array of family-based services, residential programs, group homes, independent living programs, specialized foster care, community supports, and o ther flexible support services.

Family Networks Southeast Regional Resource Center: Justice Resource Institute was also selected as the Southeast Regional Resource Center. The JRI Regional Resource Center (RRC) serves as the hub for coordinating all residential placements made by all Area Lead Agencies in the Southeast Region. RCC’s are charged with building strong regional networks of residential providers in place of a dispersed statewide system. As the Family Networks Initiative develops, the JRI RRC will be responsible for developing programs to serve special populations, and will organize, support, and participate in regular program monitoring and evaluation activities. Educational coordination is a crucial component to the Southeast RRC, as our team of Educational Specialists use their knowledge and skills to advise, guide and navigate the educational system for all children in the Network.

Family Networks Contact Information

Jennifer Miguel, MSW
Regional Network Director/ RRC Director
15A Bolton Place
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 894-0002 x210
jmiguel@ jri.org

Catherine Rutkowski, MSW
Program Director
JRI/Attleboro Area Lead Agency
67 Mechanic St
Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-9500
crutkowski@ jri.org

Rachel Arruda
Program Director
JRI/Brockton Area Lead Agency
15A Bolton Place
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 894-3758, (508) 894-0002 x211
rarruda@ jri.org

Deborah Oliveira, MA
Program Director
JRI/Cape Cod Area Lead Agency
889 West Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02632
Phone: (508) 771-2402
doliveira@ jri.org