Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – February 6, 2023
Here are some news items from last week related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught my eye:
The anticipated update from federal monitors found improvements in the number of children assigned to caseworkers and the accuracy of DFPS investigations. However, it also found several DFPS investigations in which the state failed to protect children from safety risks, including a lack of medication monitoring and exposing children to trafficking.
A federal judge again is threatening to hold Texas in contempt of court for not bringing its system of long-term foster care up to par. At a Dallas hearing last Thursday, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack said she’s especially upset over bad things happening to the children who are being tended around the clock by Child Protective Services workers in offices, motels and church-owned buildings.
Growing evidence shows that programs and policies that increase economic support provide “critical support to parents” that helps them create a safe environment for their children. “When families are not overloaded by economic stress, they’re less likely to be known to the child welfare system,” said Sharon Hirsch, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. Because of findings like this we created Family Help West Texas to provide families in need access to free or reduced cost services. This zip code searchable database can be found at FamilyHelpWTX.org.
Lorenzo isn’t bashful when sharing his ambitions. But also says that, in the short term, he’s looking for a family who will guide him. “I need a family to help me be an actor,” said Lorenzo. His Heart Gallery profile explains that he needs a family that can relate to an active personality. That family would also be consistent and persistent in providing for Lorenzo’s every need. Lorenzo is a determined kid and is shooting for the stars but wants a forever family to be by his side, every step of the way. “I’m trying to learn life, trying to be someone, trying to have a good family, to help the world. Right now, I’m not in a good place,” said Lorenzo.
The Midland Police Department continues to search for the family of an unattended juvenile found Sunday in central Midland. MPD held a press conference Thursday to share information regarding its efforts to find the juvenile’s family. The juvenile, believed to be 13-17 years old, was found Sunday at about 2:10 p.m. at the intersection of Ward Street and Shandon Avenue after MPD officers were dispatched in reference to a check person request. Officers located the juvenile walking alone in the alley.
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