Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – July 17, 2023
Here are some news items from last week related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught our eye:
Cayden and Dalton, teenage brothers from West Texas, are currently living in separate foster placements but hope to find an adoptive “Forever Home” where they can be together. Cayden expressed his willingness to learn from mistakes and take care of his family, while Dalton dreams of having a loving mom and dad and leaving behind the therapy and challenges of foster care. Their strong bond was evident during a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns, and they long for the day when they can live together as a family. For more information about adopting Cayden and Dalton, visit www.oneaccordtx.org.
The Vox article explores the complex relationship between the foster care and adoption systems, poverty, neglect, and abortion. It highlights the challenges faced by children in foster care due to poverty and neglect, and examines how these issues intersect with the debate on abortion. The article argues that improving the foster care system, addressing poverty, and providing support to families can help reduce the need for abortion. It raises important questions about the connections between social policies, economic disparities, and reproductive choices, ultimately advocating for a comprehensive approach to support vulnerable children and families.
A facility overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) received deficiencies related to supervision and documentation after the death of Panache Petry, who died from Covid-19 while in the custody of the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS). Petry’s mother, Leah Joseph, and her attorney are seeking answers and have sent a settlement demand. Joseph alleges neglect and mistreatment during her children’s stay at the facility. Her attorney is initiating the legal process to hold responsible parties accountable. Despite the tragedy, Joseph fondly remembers her son’s love for the Ninja Turtles.
A coalition of foster care organizations in McLennan County, Texas, is raising awareness about the need for more certified foster families as the state implements reforms in the child welfare system. The changes will involve regional organizations taking charge of foster care placement and case management, with a focus on keeping children close to their home communities. The Heart of Texas Families and Foster Care Coalition is recruiting organizations to provide additional resources and support for foster families in the Waco area. The transition to community-based care aims to improve the overall well-being of foster children by prioritizing local connections and family visits.
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