How can I get an application?
For your convenience, our residential placement application is available online in two formats. You may download the application for printing and mailing or complete and submit the online application. You may also contact admissions personnel on the Boothe Campus at (361) 375-2101 at which time Social Service staff will be available to assess your child?s situation and determine if South Texas Children?s Home Ministries (STCHM) can meet their needs. After speaking with Social Services, you may then access the application online to start the application process as quickly as possible. However, you may also request that an application packet be mailed, faxed or emailed to you. The family or placing individual will complete the application and return it to STCHM Social Services.

Referral options will be given for those children whose needs we do not believe STCHM can adequately meet.

How long does it take to get a child admitted?
The admission process typically takes at least three weeks from the time your application is received at the campus.

How much does it cost to place a child at STCHM?
STCHM provides services at no cost to families. No child is ever denied service for financial reasons. The family or placing individual will be encouraged to contribute toward the care of the child, if possible, while in placement.

What happens if my child refuses to come?
A child’s own willingness to accept placement and to make an honest effort is a great determining factor for success.

What if my child is not appropriate for your program?
We can help you with referrals for other agencies/facilities which may be able to offer you their services. We recommend that you contact our Social Service Department before completing an application to find out whether or not your child may be considered for placement.

Do you provide any counseling?
We offer individual and family counseling for residents in our care through our Family Counseling offices located in Corpus Christi and Victoria. Counselors come on a weekly basis to our childcare campuses.

Will I be able to find out how well my child is progressing?
The child’s caseworker will be the designated contact person regarding a child’s progress. Any questions or concerns about the child’s progress should be directed to the caseworker. The “Service Plan” is an important document that specifies the needs to be met and services to be provided. It describes the responsibilities of the child, family and STCHM who must all work together to carry out and fulfill this Service Plan.

The child, family and staff will evaluate the child’s progress every eight weeks initially and then every 6 months thereafter during the child’s placement.

What is the living environment like on your campuses?
In each cottage, there is an adult couple serving as childcare workers. They have the primary responsibility for the day-to-day care and supervision of the child while in our care. They try to establish a meaningful relationship with each child, to be sensitive, and to teach them appropriate behavior.
 
The atmosphere is that of a caring family, with up to eight residents per cottage. Residents participate with the childcare workers in making the home a safe, comfortable place to live. Household responsibilities, life skills education, and recreational activities are organized to help residents learn responsibility in a structured living situation.

How often will I get to see my children if they are accepted?
It is important for every child to have significant people involved in their lives. South Texas Children’s Home Ministries will follow the child’s Service Plan and STCHM Visitation Policy regarding visitation and contact.

Are residents allowed to have family contact through mail and phone calls?
Contact by Mail
Children may send and receive mail at any time, unless limited by the Service Plan. Parents are encouraged to write regularly. The children often worry and get upset when long periods of time go by and they have not heard from their parents. The children need to know what is happening with their family and to have the assurance that they can get in touch with their family at all times. It is also important that we are able to contact parents at all times in case of emergency. It is imperative that parents or guardians notify us of any change of address, phone, marital status, or employment as soon as possible.

Telephone Calls
STCHM encourages you to contact your child by phone. Your child must call collect or use calling cards when contacting you. Children in care may not have cell phones.

Are parents required to sign over their parental rights?
No. Parents who place a child at STCHM are not required to give up their parental rights.

Do you have to live in Texas to place a child at STCH Ministries?
Yes. A child’s parent or placing individual must reside in Texas. We are not able to provide services to out of state residents.

Do you take special needs children in your programs?
STCHM is not equipped to accept children who are mentally or physically disabled, violent or destructive towards themselves or others, physically or sexually aggressive, or substance abusers.

Does STCHM provide an on campus school?
No. We are actually a residential child care facility, not a school. Because our campuses do not offer onsite education, residents must be able to function in a public school setting.

South Texas Children’s Home Ministries is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
P.O. Box 759, Beeville, TX 78104 • 361-375-2101
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