September Newsletter

AWFC is expanding services to include emergency/shelter care as well as assessment services. Currently AWFC is accepting emergency placements for up to 12 children. Upon the completion of licensure and contract approval from DPRS, the AWFC Assessment/Emergency Shelter will increase full services for up to 24 children.

A World For Children Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center, located in the Pflugerville area will provide emergency residential care and assessment for youth ages 0-17 who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.

AWFC Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center has two main goals. The first goal is to assist each mouth entering the center feel safe, respected and empowered to help in their long term plan. We will strive to meet the youth’s immediate needs of food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, recreation and education. The second goal is to provide a comprehensive, professional assessment of the strengths and weakness of children to be placed in substitute care. This will enhance and expedite the work of the CPS staff by allowing them to make long term placements that are not likely to breakdown.

Spearheading this program into reality is Sheila Falco, a well known and experienced director of emergency/shelter services. According to Falco, the assessment center will include services for:

0-17 years of age, 24 hour wake staff, Pflugerville Schools, Comprehensive Medical and Dental Exam, Psychological and Psychiatric Exams, Evaluation of educational needs, Supervised family visits, Transportation to therapy, exams, family visits, Behavioral documentation, Life-skills training, Recreation.

Falco has worked in emergency/shelter care for the past 7 years in Williamson County. She serves as Chairperson of the CRCG and participates in the community management team in Williamson County.

The facility setting is in a relaxed country atmosphere which is easily accessible to Williamson and Travis County case workers. The facility offers a warm, caring atmosphere where traumatized youth can be nurtured and protected.

According to Falco, "one of the biggest assets is the experienced, caring direct care staff coupled with highly trained and experienced assessment professionals. Teaming these key staff members with CPS workers will create a positive, workable, individualized plan for each child."

Joe Edwards, AWFC financial consultant, made arrangements for a funding source that will be separate from the child-placing program funds.

According to Rebecca Allen, program director of the foster care services, "the assessment/emergency shelter has been a long anticipated dream of the staff of AWFC as an additional way to serve children in a critical time in their lives."

AWFC is planning upcoming Orientation Meetings to provide information on " how to become a foster parent."

AWFC’s foster parents have been fantastic at "spreading the word" on the joys of being a foster parent with AWFC - these efforts are appreciated.

Enhancing placement options is important to meet the individual needs of the children referred.

Staff Attends Education Meeting Senate Bill 359 has lifted the requirement of child-placing agencies having to notify and obtain agreement from local school districts to serve foster children prior to verification of new families. At a recent meeting hosted by Karen Eells, Director of Licensing, the impact of SB 359 was clarified. Input was solicited on how to implement some of the new legislation. This new legislation includes hearings in communities of less than 300,000 population regarding operation or the expansion of capacity of agency homes and/or facilities providing 24 hour services. Also testimony was requested on the development of assessment services as mandated in legislation. The new legislation requires that all children receive assessment services. Karen Eells is to be commended for seeking input prior to development of minimum standards on either issue.

AWFC is successfully serving children in custody of the courts through therapeutic foster care. This is an alternative to a lockdown detention center available for some children. In addition to a nurturing home environment, AWFC make available individual therapy services for the child as well as family therapy services.

Currently AWFC is serving juvenile probation children in several counties and excited about expanding services into other counties.

AWFC is planning an upcoming training for foster families and staff in the central Texas focusing on meeting the needs of juvenile probation youth. Van Zandt County Juvenile Probation presented quality training to the AWFC East Texas foster families. Robert Calacino, Director of Juvenile Probation Services provided training.

Cindy Gunckel works for AWFC as the office manager. Her bright, cheery voice greets each caller. She is equipped with specific answers to unique questions, a listening ear to those needing to talk to someone, and a quick wit. She is a lady of many talents as she "meets and greets" and oversees the clerical operation. Cindy is truly a blessing to AWFC as she takes care of "our" records and our people.

Cindy has had extensive experience in the child-placing arena. She has worked closely with Rebecca Allen for many years. According to Cindy, "I am like Velcro, I stick to Rebecca." The staff of AWFC salute Cindy as being a "super staffer."

The October training calendar is packed full of many exciting training’s. AWFC is working hard to ensure quality training that is convenient to foster families. Orientation on October 7 is scheduled for Mullin. Also PMAB is scheduled for Killeen at the Derrell and Wendy Moore home beginning at 6:30 p.m. Medication training is scheduled for Killeen at the Killeen Community Center on October 9 from 6:00-9:00. East Texas training will be held the second Monday, October 13 at the Central Pentecostal church. South training will be held the third Thursday, on October 23 in Lockhart at Pegasus Office on Power Struggles. West training will be held the third Monday, on October 20 on Communication. Killeen Support Group will be the last Tuesday, October 28, from 10-12 a.m. at the Killeen Community Center focusing on working with children with special needs. In addition, "Anger and Aggression Management" training will be offered in Mullin on October 27 from 6:30-9:30. Foster Parent Initiative (FPI) training will be held Oct. 14 (6:30-10:00), Oct. 21 (6:30-10:00), and Oct. 25 (9:00-5:00) at the AWFC Round Rock Office.

As the new school year begins, AWFC staff declares education a top priority. The staff recognizes that developing a solid partnership with school personnel is vital in enhancing the educational opportunities of children in care. We recognize that children’s success in education significantly impacts the child’s future success in life. The staff of AWFC will visit with school personnel in each of the districts that serve our children. The staff will introduce AWFC, explain the role of a foster parent, and seek to develop ways to collaborate to ensure our children needs are being successfully met. AWFC recognizes the difficult job schools face and will make every effort to cooperate with them to make education a positive experience for everyone.

AWFC sadly waved "good bye" to Jill Black as she departed with her husband for Vermont. Jill was a tremendous asset to AWFC as a case manager and trainer. Her bright smile and professional demure will definitely be missed. Although we well miss her, her talents will continue to be used to advocate for children. As her husband attends law school, Jill will continue to "change the world, one child at a time" in Vermont.

The staff and foster families are to be commended in the services they are providing to our children in care. At a recent visit of the YFT team, Marianne Mundee, team leader, complimented the quality services being provided by AWFC foster families and staff. According to the YFT team, the foster parent logs, the staff logs, and the therapist notes were very descriptive and detailed. A very clear picture was painted on each child. The habilitative foster families were really applauded for going the extra mile with our children.

A tremendous "thank you" is in order for all foster families and staff. We know that we have "the best" and it is wonderful for others to verify this assessment.

Sponsor a Child at Christmas As the Thanksgiving season approaches and we each realize how blessed we are, consider sponsoring a foster child for Christmas.

Christmas is a particularly difficult time for children in substitute care. You can help brighten a child’s face during the Christmas season. Please call the AWFC office for details - (512) 218-4400.

AWFC Joins the "Internet" Frank James, the AWFC communications expert, is busily developing Internet access for AWFC. A full communication packet is being planned for the future. The first step is the development of a Web Page. The AWFC Web Page will provide information on how to become a foster parent, upcoming foster parent training, emergency shelter and assessment center information, "highlighting foster parents", newsletter, orientation meetings, and the list continues.

The AWFC family welcomes Odalis and Augusto Sanchez from Killeen. While Gus was away serving our country, Odalis has been providing respite care for AWFC families. Now they have joined the ranks of our esteemed AWFC Foster Families.

Isaac and Bobbie Williams of Luling also are welcomed to the AWFC family. They bring many years of foster care experience. Their career with Gary Job Corp also enhances their talents in helping troubled youth. Welcome to AWFC!

Also joining our family are Joetta and Larry Hill from Zephr. Although they are new to foster care, they have a wealth of experience in rearing children. A gread big welcome to all of you!

As the shelter gets "up and running", there are many items that are needed. The staff has composed a "wish list" which appears on the back of the newletter. The items on the wish list will benefit children who are in a period of real trauma. A special thanks to the Joe Edwards family - Joe, Sydney, and Amy, for their generous donations to the shelter. Thanks also to Kimberly Stiles and Karen Kemnitz for their donations and assistance.

The AWFC Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center phone number is 218-4490.

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A World for Children is licensed by and receives funds from
 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

AWFC Emergency Shelter

and Assessment Center Opening Soon

The AWFC Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center phone number is 218-4490.