December 2017

COMMUNITY
Children:
The Greatest Gift of All
by Larry Schwingel
Holidays are joyous, but
for neglected, abused, or
impoverished children there is no
joy. In Florida, nearly one million
live in extreme poverty, one in
five have mental challenges,
thousands are in group homes
or foster care, and others live on
the streets. Thankfully, there are
organizations making a difference.
CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY (CHS)
Founded
in 1902,
CHS is
the oldest
and
largest
non-profit
serving
children
and
families in South Florida. As it evolved,
two of its most recent achievements
include improvements to mental health
and case management services.
CHS was the first statewide organization
to use Telehealth counseling video
sessions, enabling clients to easily and
confidentially speak with counselors.
“Through the revolutionary CaseAIM
method, we are using innovative
solutions and making transformative
changes in foster care management,”
said Julie Schneider, executive director
for Broward CHS.
“No other organization has the
size, scope, or solution-driven
focus to empower children.”
Established in 1967, Broward’s CHS
focuses on prevention and foster care by
developing partnerships with parents,
foster parents, case managers, guardian
ad litem(s), and counselors to build
bridges and restore family unity.
Anxiety, depression, substance abuse,
and mental health challenges are root
causes for families in crisis.
“We are implementing solutions
for positive change, and creating
a safer world for children,”
Schneider said.
“This is accomplished when families
realize their potential and believe in
overcoming barriers.”
Traditional on-site counseling
is provided, but for those with
transportation issues counselors will go
into homes, schools, and offices and
provide much-needed support. “We
are reshaping the future for children
in Broward County and throughout
Florida,” Schneider said. “Our focus is to
prevent children from ever entering foster
care by providing solutions for families
before a crisis occurs.”
The I. Lorraine Thomas Children’s Home
is a nurturing shelter where siblings up
to the age of 11 can stay together. “We
recruit, train, and support foster families,
but few people realize that families who
open their homes to children also offer
support to the entire family,” Schneider
said. “They work closely with our team,
parents, and case managers so children
can return home safely.” The extension
of the foster care family is an important
change in the evolution of CHS,
according to Schneider.
CHS does not offer local adoptions, but
partners with other agencies to secure
permanent homes for children in other
communities. Visit chsfl.org/adoption.
For information on foster parenting,
call 954-453-6400, or visit chsfl.org/
foster. CHS is at 401 NE 4th St, Fort
Lauderdale.
28
DECEMBER 2017