Chapin Hall

Sophie Kaye is a Policy Analyst at Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. She works with state child welfare agencies to develop robust Title IV-E Prevention Plans, incorporate evidence-based practices, and prepare for Family First implementation. She collaborates with court personnel and partners to incorporate strengths-based and trauma-informed practices within the court process to generate positive outcomes for children and families.

Prior to coming to Chapin Hall, Kaye led the development and writing of Vermont’s Title IV-E Prevention Plan and partnered with Vermont child welfare leaders and community partners to guide the initial implementation of Family First. She previously served as a Family Services Worker for the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), where she specialized in working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system and served as a leader in Vermont’s Youthful Offender work. Kaye has expertise in supporting older youth in state custody, incorporating youth voice in case planning, and developing discharge plans for youth to safely return to their communities from congregate care. Kaye served as a leader of safety culture throughout her time with Vermont DCF and co-created a rubric for mentors supporting new Family Services Workers. Earlier in her career, Kaye was a case manager at the Lamoille Interagency Network for Kids (LINK) through the Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (VCHRYP), where she provided support, guidance, and mentorship to youth at risk of running away or being homeless.

During her time in law school, Kaye interned with the Vermont Juvenile Defender’s Office at the Office of the Defender General, where she represented and guided youth in case plan review meetings and researched the constitutionality of juvenile isolation standards for use in a habeas corpus petition. Additionally, Kaye interned with the Office of the Vermont Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, where she supported depositions and investigations into allegations of abuse at long-term care facilities.

Kaye holds a Juris Doctor in General Law from Vermont Law School, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Brain and Cognitive Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Rochester. Kaye graduated from the VTLEAD program in January 2021, a program for current and high-potential government leaders in Vermont.