LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – More than 100 Lubbock children currently live in foster homes outside their region because local families aren’t available to care for them.
Saint Francis Ministries reports 279 children across the South Plains are in foster placement, but the shortage of nearby families means many must leave their communities during an already difficult time.
Renee Morales with Saint Francis says removing children from familiar surroundings compounds their existing trauma.
“To go out of the region because there weren’t enough homes here…that can be traumatic too. They have their schools, church, communities, their culture. West Texas is very different from East Texas, North Texas, we really want to be able to bring those kids back,” Morales said.
Saint Francis works with children and families throughout 41 Panhandle counties, focusing on safety, stability and keeping children close to home when possible. Their care extends to youth from birth through age 21.
Many children enter the system due to abuse or neglect, while others struggle with behavioral and emotional issues stemming from trauma.
“It’s very important that these children have somebody loving, safe, and stable. Somebody to pour into them during this time. A lot of times, when kids are removed they’re dealing with the trauma of being removed plus they may have issues they’re dealing with,” Morales said.
Becoming a foster parent in Texas requires training, background checks and maintaining a stable home environment. The process typically spans several months.
While foster care is often temporary, the stability provided during placement can create lasting positive impacts for children.
Saint Francis will host an informational event Feb. 9 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the YWCA of Lubbock. More information is available here.
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