State expands foster care through region’s first nonprofit contractor
In a move signaling the expansion of Community-Based Care (CBC), The State of Texas announced in October that Belong, a division of SJRC Texas, will be the area’s first nonprofit foster care contractor for 27 counties surrounding Bexar County.
Until now, Child Protective Services (CPS) is responsible for finding a foster home or other living arrangement following a judge’s order for a child to be placed in foster care. Following CBC’s model, Belong will be responsible for that process.
Belong went through a six month startup phase and officially launched its services at the end of April, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Belong becomes the fourth CBC contractor in Texas, with four more contracts in the planning stages as Texas pursues CBC implementation in all 254 counties, according to a press release.
SJRC Texas officials said there are currently 38 children from Bandera County in foster care.
Additionally, there are 13 active foster homes in Bandera County, with at least six additional homes needed.
“This is an exciting step for South Texas as we continue to expand CBC statewide,” said Trisha Thomas, Director of the Office of CBC Transition. “Every child in foster care is as unique as the community to which they belong. With the support and oversight of the State, communities are best situated to provide their children with the housing, care and treatment they need while maintaining their ties to home and family.”
CEO of SJRC Texas & Belong Tara Roussett expressed, “We are thrilled to launch our community-based care program in rural Texas through our division Belong. Together, we will build a better tomorrow for children and families by leveraging our amazing network of providers in collaboration with our solid DFPS partnership. Our dedicated and service-driven Belong team look forward to a successful rollout as we work cohesively with each community, providers, stakeholders and DFPS to make a profound impact on future generations.”
For more information, visit sjrcbelong.org.