Month: October 2024

Partnership helps with transition to adulthood

A partnership between DePelchin and A Lighted Path is helping DePelchin youth prepare for adulthood with counseling, guidance, and other resources.

 

Transition to Adulthood through Guidance and Support (TAGS) is a DePelchin residential program for homeless young adults, ages 18 to 22, who were not adopted at the age of 18 and have “aged out” of foster care. The program offers services and guidance to help them become productive, responsible, and independent.

 

A two-year-old partnership with A Lighted Path adds to the services available to youth through TAGS. A Lighted Path is a nonprofit organization that works to improve outcomes for children and youth who are disadvantaged by social and economic disparities. Through A Lighted Path’s program called Adults In Training (AIT), DePelchin residents receive lessons in everything from financial planning to stress management to driving to cooking.

 

The partnership between A Lighted Path and DePelchin has also provided the opportunity for TAGS youth to receive group counseling from The Menninger Clinic. During Emotional Wellness Month in October, we highlighted and celebrated the numerous mental-health services that DePelchin offers, and the counseling available to youth in TAGS is an important component of our approach to mental health.

 

The transition into adulthood can often be difficult for those who have aged out of the child-welfare system. Fortunately, DePelchin and A Lighted Path are working together to see that the youth in the TAGS program have the skills — and the support — to successfully launch their adult lives.

New hub in Texas City connects parents with guidance, support

DePelchin Children’s Center has opened a new center in Texas City to provide guidance and assistance to families in the Galveston County area.

 

The DePelchin Family Resource Center is now open at 2925 Palmer Highway, Suite B. Families with children from birth to 5 years old can come to learn about services DePelchin provides, such as parenting classes and one-on-one guidance for fathers. DePelchin staff can also connect parents with other resources in the community, from child care to employment resources. The center also includes space where parents can read to their children.

 

“Our goal is to provide a support hub for parents and caregivers,” said Megan Green, DePelchin’s Director of Family Services. “This is a place where members of our community can come for guidance and support on the types of issues that all families face.”

 

Walk-ins are welcome, or parents can make appointments to visit with DePelchin staff by calling (713) 558-3720. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

DePelchin is a Houston-based organization that has served children and families for more than 130 years with services including foster care, adoption, parenting classes and counseling. DePelchin also has Family Resource Centers in Houston and San Antonio.

 

Photo Caption: Family Resource Specialists Fernanda Galvan and Elizabeth Baltazar provide support to parents and caregivers at the DePelchin Family Resource Center in Texas City.

DePelchin therapists work with children and youth in foster care

Many of DePelchin’s core services and programs focus on meeting mental health needs, and we are celebrating those services throughout October, which is Emotional Wellness Month.

 

While DePelchin counseling services are widely available to children and families, children placed in foster care through DePelchin are available for a separate set of services called Integrated Mental Health (IMH). Through this program, DePelchin staff conduct a comprehensive assessments with any newly placed child who is 3 or older. The assessment helps DePelchin staff determine what types of services, if any, the child needs.

 

“Not all youth placed require immediate therapeutic support,” said Hatti Guske, LMFT-S, DePelchin’s Program Manager for Clinical Services. “However, when the clinical needs of a child are beyond what any family can provide, IMH is ready to respond with support.”

 

For example, DePelchin therapists may begin therapy with the child. The therapists also help the family connect with other resources in the community to ensure that the child’s full needs are met.

 

The program is covered by Medicaid, so there is no additional cost for the foster families. IMH services are available in all of the regions DePelchin serves: Houston, Austin, Lubbock, and San Antonio.

 

Sometimes, children do not show a need for mental health services during their initial assessment, but the need may arise later.

 

“It’s common for a child to experience a honeymoon phase, and then, once they are comfortable, begin to present emotional and/or behavioral challenges,” Guske said. “IMH is prepared to help foster youth and families at any point in their journey.  However, there are a good number of children who don’t require therapeutic services. Having a safe, structured and loving home is therapeutic in nature.”

 

The generosity of our supporters allows DePelchin to provide these vital services for children in foster care. During Emotional Wellness Month and throughout the year, we are grateful for supporters who help DePelchin meet the mental health needs of children and families.