7 minute read
Child Protective Services calls to faith-based groups for help
[ Good News happening in our community ] Government agency looks to faith groups for helpCall THE Call
BY AMY MORGAN
The name Child Protective Services (CPS) invokes images of families in crisis — children being removed from abusive or neglectful situations, fractured families.
Would it surprise you to learn that CPS actively seeks to connect with faithbased organizations to combat the chaos? In fact, the state employs faithbased specialists like Hope Shelton to engage with churches, synagogues, and other communities of faith. Shelton has been with CPS for 14 years, transitioning to her current position eight years ago. She jumped at the chance to incorporate her beliefs into her work. “It’s so important,” she said. “Case workers can’t provide what a community of faith can. Imagine how connected the children and families involved in child welfare could be if they each had a loving faith community.” In 1995, the Advisory Committee on Promoting Adoption of Minority Children recognized the benefit of connecting families served by CPS with those able to help. In 2016, the Texas lieutenant governor implemented a 10-point plan including faithbased efforts and the importance of CPS fully engaging with the faith community. Whether it’s donated goods, foster or adoptive homes, or volunteers, the faith community provides a natural environment in which to find willing hearts.
“There are so many great congregations,” Shelton acknowledged. “We have more than 600 kids in Region 8 waiting for adoption right now.” There are so many ways to start serving this population.
Sometimes it’s a matter of connecting those with resources to places of greatest need. A larger church can undergird the efforts of another. Sometimes they just desire a congregation equipped to welcome a group of children in foster care at the youth events the congregation is hosting Shelton said.
While many children are placed with families, some live in residential treatment centers. Mentors make personal connections that can change a child’s future. Pastor Mel Keyes serves at Joshua House of Worship. He partners with CPS by mentoring youth at The Bridge Emergency Shelter.
“As adoptive parents ourselves, Kendra and I know what kinds of hurts these kids are dealing with, but I can’t even begin tell you how many times we left
the shelter full of the knowledge that we were the ones ministered to.
“Sharing life with the children at the Bridge has impacted our whole ministry team. We have gotten to see God up close at work in the lives of these beautiful, brave souls through confessions, testimonies, anger, questions, doubts, tears, games, laughter, re-dedications, baptisms, food & lots of Scooby Snacks,” Keyes said.
Shelton’s task is to spread the word—inspiring church members to share their time and talents. She admits it’s been an uphill battle. Currently, referrals have mainly been by word of mouth. She is available to speak to groups or leaders electronically or in person to cast a vision for impacting lives.
“We are eager to access what the church already offers,” Shelton said. Region 8 touches the lives of thousands of children in Bexar and 27 surrounding counties. No donation of time or treasure is too small to make a difference.
She encourages anyone with a desire to help to contact her. She’ll help find a place to purposefully serve. Hairdressers style hair. Handy men donate time or supplies to make homes safe. A shoe enthusiast provided footwear. Others held a career fair.
The greatest needs are currently for beds or duffle bags (and room to store them). Placing a child with relatives is the best option when a child is removed from their home, Shelton explained, because family members have genuine love and concern for the children and will keep siblings together. Relatives provide consistency—a familiar neighborhood, culture and connection, she added.
However, family members may not have the proper furnishings—children remain in limbo until items can be
secured. The need for beds is most urgent. Shelton said that CPS can distribute 25 beds or more each month so the need is ongoing.
Another acute need is for a new duffle bag for children in CPS’s Region 8. Often kids need to leave a residence quickly. All they have is what can be stuffed in a bag. “It is hard enough to be separated from family,” she said. “Harder still to move in with a stranger. Taking something that belongs to you, can help make that move a little less scary."
TELL. Connect your friends and church members to this faithbased initiative through Hope Shelton at 210-452-2321.
INVITE. Contact Hope to speak at your church. SHARE. Expand resources to reach thousands of children and families in the 28-county region. DO. Use your time and talents to take action to improve the lives of children and families in need.
PRAY. Pray for CPS caseworkers, Hope and their efforts to connect all communities of faith to children in need.
Hope Shelton Faith-Based Specialist www.dfps.state.tx.us/Community/ Faith-Based/default.asp 3635 SE Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78223
(210) 452-2321
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