Belong Successfully Moves to Stage II of Community-Based Care
Adding case management services to its scope of work
SAN ANTONIO – Belong, a division of SJRC Texas, has effectively transitioned into Stage II of its Community-Based Care (CBC) contract with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The organization has assumed additional responsibilities of case management services for the 27 counties in the South Central & Hill Country Region, formerly known as Region 8b.
“We are proud of our strong partnership with DFPS and the Office of Community-Based Care Transition that has ensured our successful transition to Stage II in the South Central & Hill Country Region within an accelerated timeframe” said CEO Tara Roussett. “The years of solid foundation laid by DFPS and the flexibility of CBC affords us an even greater opportunity to be solutions-focused and innovative in providing the best care for our most vulnerable children and families in our communities.”
Belong, a division of SJRC Texas, was awarded the CBC contract as a Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) April 2021 in the South Central & Hill Country Region, which is one of 17 catchment areas in Texas. CBC is a new service delivery model for foster care and a range of child protective system services. It focuses on providing services in partnership with communities, which allows care to be individualized as it draws on local strengths and resources.
“I have been so impressed by Belong, their staff, and the innovations they have brought. I am excited to see them transition to case management and know they have the support of the community,” said Trisha Thomas, Office of Community-Based Care Transition Statewide Director.
Belong began the rigorous planning for Stage II after efficiently and successfully developing a network of services and providing foster care placement services in Stage I since October 27, 2021.
Roussett added, “We are grateful to serve nearly 1,000 precious children and youth in Stage II through the critical work of healing families through case management, kinship and reunification services. Our efforts to increase positive permanency outcomes alongside the diverse communities in our region is at the forefront of all that we do, and we look forward to building a better tomorrow for children and families.”
In April 2022, Belong began its start-up period to prepare for Stage II. Throughout this period, Belong worked diligently with the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Office of Community-Based Care Transition to prepare the team for the work ahead. The organization has already hired more than 125 new team members to fulfill its responsibilities and serve its vulnerable population. Moreover, Belong has worked alongside its communities to continuously meet the needs for children and families through strong provider partnerships and a keen focus on child safety and permanency outcomes.
Belong, a division of SJRC Texas, a nonprofit organization, serves as the lead provider for Community-Based Care in the South Central & Hill Country Region. The organizational mission is to offer healing and hope to children and families affected by abuse, abandonment or neglect. It is responsible for finding foster homes and providing case management services for the state’s most vulnerable children. Through community, donor and volunteer support, the organization makes a significant impact on the lives of future generations. For more information, visit sjrcbelong.org.
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