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Major Overhaul of Foster Care System in Bexar County

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News Summary

Bexar County is set to see significant changes in its foster care system as SJRC Texas takes over the management of child welfare services. The new agency aims to provide better support for the community’s needs while handling over 2,500 children. This transition marks a shift towards community-based care, aiming for safer environments for all children in need. Key initiatives include expanding community support and keeping families connected while addressing the pressing demand for loving foster homes.

Big Changes Ahead for Foster Care in Bexar County!

Hold onto your hats, folks! A brand new agency, SJRC Texas, is stepping into the spotlight as it takes over the foster care, adoption, and community care services in Bexar County. This is a major shake-up, as up until now, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has been in charge of these vital services.

Here’s the buzz: SJRC Texas already has a proven track record. They’ve been working hard in 27 rural counties surrounding Bexar, providing services to over 2,094 children since 2021. Now, they’re gearing up to take care of around 2,500 children in Bexar County alone. That’s a whole lot of kiddos!

What’s Going On?

To clear things up, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services won’t be completely stepping back. They will still handle investigations and removals for child welfare. SJRC Texas will be taking the reins on case management, foster homes, adoptions, and family reunification. They’re bringing a fresh approach to foster care, and many are feeling hopeful about this new direction.

What’s at Stake?

During the announcement of this big transition, community leaders took a moment to honor five children who tragically lost their lives due to abuse or neglect over the past year. This heart-wrenching reminder highlights the pressing need for change and reform in the foster care system. With SJRC Texas now leading the way, there’s a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the community.

A Community-Centric Focus!

CEO of SJRC Texas, Tara Roussett, has made it clear that her organization is ready to dive in and meet the diverse needs of this community. Plans are already underway to build more community supports throughout Bexar County, underscoring an initiative to keep local children close to home instead of relocating them to distant areas.

This change is part of a broader initiative for community-based care, which began back in 2017 and is set to roll out across the state by 2029. The goal? To keep children with their communities—addressing the issues that have arisen from previous reports of children being placed in hotels and the unfortunate tragedies that have occurred under CPS care over the past five years.

All About Family!

Families in the community are already giving SJRC Texas a thumbs up! Take, for instance, the family of Kaitlyn and Joshua English, who have positively shared their experience with SJRC Texas after fostering to adopt a little boy and his two brothers. Their story shines a light on the importance of community partnerships for families navigating the foster care system.

Joshua highlighted the dedication and emotional labor invested by the SJRC staff, showcasing a community that truly cares. Thanks to their collaboration with the organization Chosen, the English family has access to additional supports that benefit parents too.

Preparing for the Future!

As the transition unfolds, the community is eager to see a program called the College Bound Docket continue to flourish. Designed for teens aging out of foster care, this program has already assisted over 1,200 youth since its inception in 2019. With mentoring and academic support, it’s helping students successfully transition to college and pursue their educational dreams!

In fact, an impressive 66 out of 81 graduates from the College Bound Docket have been accepted into colleges. Each success story is a testament to the hard work and dedication everyone involved is putting into the future of these young people.

Urgent Needs Remain

Despite the exciting changes on the horizon, the need for foster families in Texas continues to grow. Daily, more children enter the system, and the current demand for loving homes remains extremely urgent. The hope is that with SJRC Texas at the helm, more families will step forward to provide safe and loving environments.

As this new chapter begins for Bexar County’s foster care services, the community gears up for an era filled with potential, teamwork, and commitment to ensuring that every child finds their forever home. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!

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