History
CHILD, Inc. was founded and financed by Henry E.I. duPont and Martha Verge duPont. The agency was incorporated in 1963 by others as a group home for boys. In 1965 Mrs. duPont discovered the home was closing for lack of funding and plans were made to save it. In 1968 the duPonts donated the first of six properties for the agency and Mrs. duPont began serving on the board of directors. After several years Mrs. duPont became disappointed with the agency, believing it was only housing boys for the state with no treatment program. Mrs. duPont as president, formed a new board of directors. The agency was renamed the Child Foundation, changed later to CHILD, Inc.
After studying the problems of services to dependent, neglected and abused children in Delaware, Mrs. duPont began a plan for programs that would serve boys and girls and their families. She wanted the agency to offer diagnostic and treatment services for the whole family dealing with the problems of dependency, neglect and abuse. She also wanted to offer an array of interrelated treatment programs that addressed the multiple problems of modern families. Mrs. duPont believed that a family service agency had an obligation to practice strong advocacy not only for the children and families we serve but all children and families that find themselves involved in the child welfare system.
In 1973 Mrs. duPont had been serving on the board of directors of the Delaware agency to reduce crime and was impressed by the director, Joseph M. Dell’Olio. She offered him the position of Executive Director and he accepted. Thus began a 35 year partnership. Joe began creating programs. The buildings donated by the duPonts were used as; the Family Diagnostic and Treatment Center, the Gov. Charles L. Terry Children’s Shelter, a Wilmington and a Delaware City Group Home and finally Martha’s Carriage House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
Joe guided CHILD, Inc. until his retirement in 2008, to become one of Delaware’s leading agencies providing services for children and their families, and victims of domestic violence.
CHILD, Inc. realized it’s purpose of advocacy thru Joe’s efforts making systemic changes in Delaware’s child welfare system which resulted in changes that go well beyond the services of CHILD, Inc.
Joe’s leadership has left the agency in sound condition. Mrs. duPont, the board of directors and staff are grateful for Joe’s commitment and dedication to CHILD, Inc. and it’s mission.