The Voices of Child Advocates of Fort Bend MAY 2024

The ofVOICES

Inside / Inside /

CEO Update • NEW Wellness Garden

CEO Update • NEW Wellness Garden

Volunteer Social Volunteer Social • Gala Recap • Gala Recap • Program Updates • Program Updates • And More! • And More!

Welcome friends!

from the ceo

May is Mother’s Day and we are celebrating our CASA Volunteers who are mothers

May is Mother’s Day and this month we celebrate all the incredible CASA Volunteers who are mothers and the work they do nurturing children we serve. A mother’s relationship with her child is one of the most important bonds and attachments that children experience. For children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, their attachments to their mothers may be broken. For children removed from homes and placed in foster care, they are not only physically apart from their biological mothers or mothers-of-origin, but they may be emotionally distant and suffer from feelings of withdrawal, abandonment and a loss of support and love. A mother’s encouragement and serving as a teacher in every aspect of a child’s developmental growth – social emotional, physical, cognitive and independence, is crucial for health and healthy development. From proper prenatal care to the birth of their baby to the critical

early years when children’s brains are actively developing while they establish physical and emotional bonds with their caregivers and throughout their entire childhoods and into adulthood, the mother’s role is the single most important bond a child makes.

When a mother is not physically or emotionally available, others may step in to assume this role – a grandmother, an aunt, a positive adult. And here is where our wonderful CASA Volunteers step in. While they will never replace the child’s biological mother or mother-of-origin, they can play important roles by being there for the child and meeting them where they are. They validate the child, actively listen to their needs and respond, they exhibit stability by being that one constant in a child’s life when their life is disrupted, unstable, scary and the future is unknown. By regularly visiting the child, by advocating for their educational, medical and mental health needs, and by continued next page

demonstrating what a responsible, caring adult looks like, they can become a role model for children to emulate We thank all our wonderful CASA Volunteers on this Mother’s Day for reaching beyond your own families to show other children love and care so they build trust in a positive adult Read inside our VOICES issue this month for news about National Foster Care Month, Mental Health Month, and our Gala

Thank you for you continuing support and for all you do to strengthen the voice of children, heal their hurt and break the cycle of abuse and neglect

For the Children's Sake,

Ruthanne

Ruthanne Mefford, CEO

Our NEW Wellness Garden and Playing Field

Our new Wellness Garden is scheduled for completion in May with a Garden Party Grand opening scheduled for May 16th. This project was ideated to provide a mental health retreat for staff and clients. With the traumatic stress the children we serve experience and secondary traumatic stress that occurs from hearing stories of abuse every day and working intensely with children experiencing multisymptomatic trauma, an outdoor nature and wellness space will bring great benefits to the health and emotional wellness to all.

The Wellness Garden will incorporate the five senses to create an environment that nourishes, relaxes, refreshes, and provides a retreat for self-care. Features of the Park will be a cedar archway entrance to serve as a threshold as one enters the park, a healing circle for meditation and breathing, water feature for

sound and soothing, a hands-on herb garden for growth, smell and taste, and flowering and aromatic plants for smell, flagstone sitting walls and retaining wall for relaxation, and a cedar pergola to provide shade and a space for yoga exercise. Plants and turf will be low maintenance for minimal upkeep.

A Playing Field will comprise the remainder of the park to provide an open area to engage children in exercise, group activities and sports for their physical and mental health. The entire park will be gated and surrounded by 8’ fencing for security and privacy.

If you would like to be part of the Wellness Garden, there are naming opportunities available. For details, please contact Lisa Moore at LMoore@cafb.org.

FEATURE STORY

Children Without Placement

By Aly Ferrante and Metoyer Martin

The number of children without placement in the Texas foster care system skyrocketed in 2021 increasing by more than 1,100% since October 2019, according to data provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

According to DFPS officials, individuals in the state’s foster care system receive a “Child WithOut Placement” designation, or CWOP, when the state cannot find a suitable and safe placement for that child, requiring the DFPS to provide temporary emergency care until a placement can be secured.

Over the last three years, the state has increasingly relied on placing children in

unlicensed placements often motels or office buildings overseen by caseworkers. DFPS officials have attributed the increase to challenges associated with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as well as caseworker turnover and recently enforced regulations.

The number of children in unlicensed placements has decreased significantly since the crisis started, but there are still too many children living in hotels and without a home. In January 2024, Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s CASA Advisory Council met with the Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director of DFPS for regions 6A (Harris County) and 6B (Fort Bend County). It was reported DFPS has trained about 30 experienced caseworkers to f

ocus full-time on caring for children without placement. Six of those workers have been assigned to regions 6A and 6B. There is hope that this new process will reduce the workloads of caseworkers and allow them to focus their attention on providing services to children and families.

CASA volunteer advocates are serving all children in Fort Bend County in DFPS custody. At the beginning of the CWOP crisis, the CASA team took action connecting DFPS to agencies that could provide activities for children such as art lessons to keep them engaged and learning. CASA staff created a Getting to Know You packet for kids in CWOP as well. The packet allowed the children and youth to share information about themselves to help the caseworkers build connections with them. CASA volunteer advocates continue to visit the children even when placed in hotels to ensure

their needs are being met. Our Courtesy CASA program also plays a huge role in serving children without placement. They provide visitation for children who have been placed across the state and outside of the state of Texas. These children are placed far away from their home communities. As a result, they often lose connections with what is familiar to them. Courtesy CASA staff help facilitate the connection between the children and their CASA volunteer advocate from their jurisdiction. Some children that are placed far away from home can become a child without placement for various reasons. Our Courtesy CASA team visits those children and reports back any findings to the local CASA program.

While the CWOP crisis seems to be on a downtrend, Child Advocates of Fort Bend will continue our advocacy until the problem no longer exists.

Addressing the Crisis: Shortage of Mental Health Services for Children

By Jheri Walters

In the realm of healthcare, one of the most glaring inadequacies lies in the delivery of mental health services for children. Despite increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, the accessibility and availability of appropriate services for children remain insufficient. From the prohibitive cost of therapist training to barriers in insurance reimbursement rates and the challenges of providing onsite treatment in schools, various factors contribute to this crisis. However, proactive steps can be taken to address these issues and ensure that children receive the mental health support they urgently need.

Cost of Training for Therapists:

Becoming a licensed therapist requires years of education, clinical training, and supervision, often accompanied by substantial financial investments. Post education and licensure, there is an ethical standard to receive sufficient training in evidence-based treatments. For example, one modality provided to children and families at Child Advocates of Fort Bend is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) This training is free to our clinicians, however private clinicians can expect to spend up $500 for training, and additional fees to maintain their certification Another training evidenced based treatment called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has an associated cost starting at $1200 There are additional fees for supervision, testing, and certification maintenance In addition, EMDR training for pediatric mental health clients is specialized, so the training comes at a higher price As a result, there is a shortage of trained professionals equipped to work specifically with children, exacerbating the existing gap in mental health services

At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, we cover the cost of training through our membership in CAC-TX access training to ensure that all our therapists are all trained in the best practices of trauma-informed therapies.

Barriers to Reimbursement Rates for Insurance:

Even for families able to access mental health services, navigating the complex landscape of insurance reimbursement can be a challenge Many insurance providers offer inadequate reimbursement rates for mental health services Families are forced to bear the burden of steep out-of-pocket expenses, further widening disparities in access to care

Barriers to Onsite Treatment in Schools:

Another avenue through which children could receive crucial mental health support is within the school environment Limited funding, competing priorities, and concerns about liability can deter schools from investing in mental health services, leaving many children without access to support during the most formative years of their development

What Parents Can Do:

Parents play a vital role in advocating for improved mental health services within schools and the community By forming partnerships with school administrators, attending parentteacher association meetings, and participating in advocacy campaigns, parents can highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health support for their children

The shortage of mental health services for children is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and action By addressing the barriers to therapist training, insurance reimbursement, and onsite treatment in schools, and empowering parents to advocate for improved services, we can take significant strides towards ensuring that all children have access to the mental health support they need to thrive

FINDING A THERAPIST

Finding the right therapist for a child can be a daunting task , but parents can use the following checklist to ensure they make informed decisions:

Credentials and Specialization: Verify that the therapist is licensed and has experience working with children, preferably specializing in pediatric mental health Parents can request references, training certificates, or go online to verify a license

Approach and Compatibility: Consider the therapist's treatment approach and whether it aligns with the child's needs and preferences A good rapport between the child and therapist is crucial for successful therapy outcomes Please encourage your child to share what makes them feel comfortable, their boundaries, and needs

Accessibility: Evaluate the therapist's availability and location to ensure convenient access to sessions

Insurance Coverage: Inquire about the therapist's acceptance of insurance plans and any potential out-of-pocket expenses

Referrals and Reviews: Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as pediatricians, school counselors, or other parents, and research online reviews or testimonials

Communication: Assess the therapist's communication style and willingness to involve parents in the therapeutic process, fostering collaboration and transparency

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH AWARENESS

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word in April, especially Smart Financial Center, Sugar Land Town Square, all of our coffee sleeve partners and Exchange Clubs who put out ribbons and signs at the courthouses across the county from Beasley and Kendleton to Richmond, Rosenberg and Katy.

Staff showing off our April Child Abuse Awareness Coffee Sleeves

V O L U N T E E R S O C I A L

On Thursday, April 25th, CAFB hosted a Volunteer Social at Enchanted Forest for the second year in a row. The evening was perfect for having a bite to eat, a drink in hand and getting to shop for flowers and plants… all while honoring our amazing volunteers! The Enchanted Forest staff was incredibly generous to stay open late for us and allow us to gather in their gorgeous space.

In attendance was staff, board members, volunteers, and their families. It was a perfect night to celebrate and honor our Volunteers. They are the ones who enable our agency to carry out the mission to heal the hurt and strengthen children’s voices.

Our volunteers show up to prepare the playrooms, clean the toys and provide a normal experience for a child waiting for therapy or an interview. Our Volunteers stand in court on a child’s behalf and talk to the judge about what’s in the child’s best interest… based on their visits and constant communication with the child and their family and caregivers. They go to schools and talk to children and

staff about how to stay safe, and how to speak up if they are in danger. Our volunteers show up and answer our phones, open doors and welcome our guests.

They ensure we can host fundraising events by gathering anything and everything we need, stuffing envelopes with invitations, creating beautiful centerpieces, wrapping gifts, showing up early to set up and later staying to help clean up.

We simply could not do our jobs as staff at Child Advocates of Fort Bend without the volunteers. There is no small job… each and everything that is done to assist CAFB is important and incredibly helpful.

It was a joy to look around and see the connections being made between volunteers, staff and board members Everyone in attendance was there because they want to serve others It was a great night and we are honored to celebrate our Volunteers

On Saturday, April 27th CAFB held its 24th Annual Gala This year ’ s theme was Once Upon a Time which highlights fables of children who have overcome adversity to find their “happily ever after”

The iconic Cinderella is an ancient folk tale in which a young girl who is abused by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters is forced to be their slave, endlessly cleaning the cinders from the fireplace Because of her graciousness and courage, Cinderella is able to rise above her circumstances, forgive her stepfamily and live happily ever after.

In Jack in the Beanstalk, a poor country boy trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans which grow into a towering beanstalk leading to a castle where an unfriendly giant lives. Through perseverance and smarts, Jack outwits the giant and Jack and his family live happily ever after.

Little Red Riding Hood is a fable about a kindly young girl who delivers food to her sickly grandmother. She meets a stalking wolf along

the way who grooms her into trusting him, but she is quickly saved by a woodcutter who comes to her rescue Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother emerge unharmed, only to live happily ever after

Snow White is a princess living with her wicked and cold-hearted stepmother, the Queen, who is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and forces her to work as a scullery maid Befriended and helped by a kind huntsman and 7 unique dwarfs, she is eventually saved by a prince and lives happily ever after.

And finally, Goldilocks and the Three Bears tells the story of a young girl who enters the forest home of three bears and finds their home to not be what she is used to. The way they live is not to her liking or comfort, but in time, Goldilocks and the bears live happily ever after.

These children’s fables talk about hope, perseverance and resilience for children whose lives have been shattered. They have been physically hurt or emotionally abused by

someone they know, oftentimes a parent or family member. The child characters often stay silent without speaking up for fear of further harm or retribution. But throughout their dire circumstances, they remain hopeful of brighter days and a future where they are not the target of someone ’ s worst motives. Even as children, they are wise and steadfast and are often aided by a kind person who recognizes their value – whether a clever woodcutter, a kind prince or team of dwarves.

Think about this …. what if Cinderella or Goldilocks or Jack or Snow White had a CASA?

Cinderella might not have had to endure the emotional abuse by her stepsisters and could have had a safe place at the local Children’s Advocacy Center to tell what was happening to her to a forensic interviewer. Goldilocks would not have had to forage for food, a bed and shelter in the forest but would have had a CASA Volunteer to tirelessly advocate for her needs and best interests. Little Red Riding Hood would have been identified as a high-risk child and would not have been groomed and attached by the wolf. Jack might have had a therapist and mental health services so that he

could have recovered from the bullying and abuse from the evil Giant. And Snow White might not have had to endure the constant belittling by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters that she was ugly and unwanted but rather would have known how to speak up and report her abuse because she had been received safety education by our Outreach and Prevention Team.

At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, this is exactly what we do! We change the outcomes of thousands of children’s stories so that families can live happily ever after. Just as in their fairy tales, happily ever after looks different for each character in these stories … and the same is true for the children we serve.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend helps changes children’s lives, and their children’s, and their grandchildren’s and their great-grandchildren’s … and on and on. The ripple effect is enormous and impacts our entire community.

We offer our sincerest gratitude to those who supported this Gala fundraising event because THIS is why your gifts matter!

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monthly spotlights

updates on staff, therapy and MORE!

Welcome to the Child Advocates of Fort Bend Family!

On April 19, we wrapped up two weeks of Pre-Service Volunteer Training and 10 new volunteers were swornin to service by Judge Jamie Rawlinson This incredible and diverse group of individuals will bring so much expertise, lived experience and talent to the children and families served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend Congratulations to all – we are lucky to have you!

Shown (L to R) are: Jane Russe, Jacquelyn Coleman, Kiersten Frierson, Debbie Blevins, Judge Jamie Rawlinson, Maria Rios, Beth Murany (CAFB Staff), Cheryl St. George, Jim Glaus and Cori Groody. Not pictured: Rene Cannavo

S T A F F U P D A T E

Meet Yesenia Islas, Bilingual Therapist

Born to immigrant parents in Los Angeles, California, my journey led me to a fulfilling career in Social Work I currently serve as a Bilingual Therapist at the Child Advocates of Fort Bend Despite my initial aspirations in medicine, my path took a meaningful turn during my volunteer work at a Residential Treatment Center for foster girls, where I witnessed the remarkable resilience of children within the welfare system, prompting me to shift my focus to Social Work

I am an alumna from Azusa Pacific University (2018) and California State University Los Angeles (2022) Embarking on a new chapter in 2022, I relocated to Houston to work as a Mental Health Clinician for Unaccompanied Minors with The Office of Refugee Resettlement This challenging job deepened my comprehension of the diverse challenges faced by children

In addition to my professional pursuits, I seek solace in activities such as yoga, meditation, reading, and immersing myself in nature One of my favorite ways to connect with nature is through taking road trips across Texas, where I enjoy exploring and searching for the finest honey

CASA UPDATE: CAFB CASA’s are now being

appointed

to

Court Ordered Services

By Aly Ferrante

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) can only remove children from their homes when there is immediate danger If there are child safety or neglect concerns that do not rise to the level of immediate danger, but CPS believes the family needs services, and the parents will not cooperate voluntarily, DFPS will seek Orders to Participate (or Court Ordered Services) These families then become involved with the Family Based Safety Services unit of DFPS

In April, our CASA Program began accepting appointments to serve as CASA on these cases

Similar to conservatorship cases, we are appointed as Guardian Ad Litem, and we serve in a similar capacity through advocacy

However in these cases, CASAs will be working more closely with parents as children remain in their homes and/or with family

There is also a large emphasis on advocating for and supporting parents to complete their

recommended services brought forth by DFPS, identifying barriers and connecting families with community resources to alleviate any concerns to prevent risk of future abuse, and advocating for all aspects of the child(ren)’s wellbeing

As a part of these cases, our CASA Program strives to advocate for the wellbeing of the children involved while also supporting families as they work to resolve and eliminate any risks of abuse/neglect By supporting parents as they complete their recommended services brought forth by DFPS, identifying barriers and connecting families with community resources, and advocating for all aspects of the child(ren)’s wellbeing, we hope to promote positive outcomes for these children and families thus preventing them from becoming further involved in the child welfare system

CAC Program Updates

By Kristy Gutierrez

The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) has been very busy lately updating some of our processes and services We have 10 volunteers who are helping with a big project, scanning in all of our open files to help us prepare for our paperless journey We hope to be a paperless office within the next few months

We are also in the process of switching over from USB flash drives for forensic interviews to using Axon Axon is a program many of our law enforcement partners currently use for their body cameras, case documentation, and evidence We’ll be able to send a secure email with the forensic interview to law enforcement and DFPS caseworkers immediately after the forensic interview for their investigations We will be training our partners in the next month

to officially switch over to Axon by June Other CACs have transitioned to using programs as such and we are very excited for the opportunity to gain this program

Our Clinical Family Advocates have been very busy with training and preparing to start up support groups for teenagers and caregivers this summer More to follow on the support groups that will be offered We are excited!

Maxi Schultz recently returned to the CAC as a forensic interviewer and we are delighted to have her Maxi is an experienced forensic interviewer and this addition makes a team of 4 full-time forensic interviewers to keep up with the busy schedule

CAC staff attended the Every Victim Every Time Conference in Bryan recently to increase their knowledge so they can serve children and families better.

A Unique Way To Make a

Legacy Gift from your IRA

The new year ushered in a new tax law that could transform the way you give to the charities that mean the most to you

Individuals 70 ½ or older may use their IRA to boost retirement income and make a lasting impact at Child Advocates of Fort Bend The new law allows you to fund a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with a one-time distribution of up to $53,000 from your IRA

Married couples may combine their totals to create a single CGA valued at $106,000

What are the benefits?

You avoid the tax hit that comes when you make a typical withdrawal from your IRA

If you are 73 or older and required to take a minimum distribution (called an

Sample Case Study:

RMD), you can satisfy all or part of your obligation for that year

You (and your spouse, if you choose) receive income for life from the CGA in the form of annual payments

The amount of the payments is fixed, regardless of the stock market or inflation

After both you and your spouse pass on, the CGA’s remaining balance is passed on to CAFB and becomes your legacy

We are here to help discuss ideas for creating a legacy gift that would be meaningful to you and your family Please go to CAFB.org for more information or contact plannedgiving@cafb.org. We hope you will consider becoming a “Forever Angel” to let your legacy become their future

A 72-year-old woman has been giving to her favorite charity for many years through her IRA in the form of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). She wants to increase her giving, and to honor the charity with a planned gift. But she is concerned about retirement income. She elects to take a one-time transfer of $25,000 from her IRA (a portion of the allowable $53,000 maximum amount) in exchange for a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). As a result, she will receive fixed annual payments of $1650 for the rest of her life. Once her lifetime is complete, the charity receives the tax-free donation of the balance of the CGA.

*The total varies for each person and is calculated using factors that reflect the personal factors of the donor(s).

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save these dates

May 14, 2024

TBRI Overview 10am - 4pm

Gus George Law Enforcement Academy

May 21, 2024

Sip & Stroll

9:30am - 11am

Contact Lisa at LMoore@cafb.org to reserve your spot

May 28, 2024

TBRI Correcting 10am - 4pm

CAFB Training Room

June 11, 2024

TBRI Overview 10am - 4pm

CAFB Training Room

June 25, 2024

TBRI Connecting 10am - 4pm

CAFB Training Room

June 25, 2024

Sip & Stroll

9:30am - 11am

Contact Lisa at LMoore@cafb.org to reserve your spot

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and “All kids need is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them.” someone who believes in them.”

- Magic Johnson - Magic Johnson