As we look at the numbers this month we would like to celebrate the impact the Church and her people had on the local foster crisis through what we do at The Attic. In a year unlike any most of us have lived through we have seen many families hurting and the strain placed on local caseworkers. Through all of this the network came through. In 2020 we were able to deliver 580 services to children, 323 services to families (114 were single caregivers), handing out 210 beds, and an astounding 3006 masks.
Not much change in the county and regional numbers still we sit at over 90% of kids place out of their home county and over 60% are placed outside of the 30 county region. We still have kids in Residential Treatment Centers (RTC’s) that are there only because there is no place else for them to go. Ector County has close to twice as many kids in foster care than Midland County, with Howard and Ward counties coming in third and fourth place for their contribution to the system.
We sound like a broken record. But this is a record we need to break. The record that there are more foster kids leaving our counties and ultimately leaving our region than we have staying in their home communities. Home communities mean that though children will be leaving their homes they will have some of their world that is consistent. That they will still see their favorite teacher and be able to play with their best friend. CPS, every foster agency, and every child expert will tell you that no one is better equipped to provide this kind of care than the people in their community.
At The Attic we feel the church is the perfect place to find the families these hurting children and families need to have the best outcomes. No where else are more people called to serve this population and already supported to serve.
As we move into 2020 think about how you can serve. Consider what role your church could play. Come volunteer with us to help us serve these kids and learn what fit you might have. You can email Julie at julie@theatticfn.org to get on the books.