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04/28/08 News concerning children from Eldorado

A message from the Executive Director of Boys and Girls Country:

As many of you know, the Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) was called to Eldorado, Texas to investigate an allegation of abuse from the Yearning for Zion Ranch operated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement became involved, and CPS took custody of over 460 children and set up temporary care arrangements in San Angelo, Texas.

Representatives of TDFPS asked Boys and Girls Country to assist in providing placement for some of the children. Due to the legal situation we do not know if it will be a short time or longer. Boys and Girls Country has always had a contract with CPS, although the majority of our children typically come from family referrals. We were able to respond quickly.

Before we responded, we examined our vision and mission closely. We determined that there was no conflict. This request was in keeping with our vision “That every child has a place to grow up and a sense of being home,” and our mission “To change the lives of children from families in crisis…”

Boys and Girls Country was named in the court order, which was given to the media and attorneys, but we have been under strict instructions and guidelines from CPS, based on our contract with them, as well as their concerns about safety and confidentiality for the children, to give no information to the media about the situation, or the children.

The local television station representatives have been here all week. They have a job to do, and from our experience with them this week, they have been as sensitive as possible about this situation, however, we must honor our agreement to CPS in every way possible, so our information on this website will be general in nature, and not specific about the children who might come, or have come, to live at Boys and Girls Country.

We are permitted to give non identifying information to our board, donors, and friends. That information follows:

New children have arrived at our Home. They are adjusting beautifully. We are honoring many of their rituals and routines, as we build relationships with them. They are children who are unaware of media (television, radio, computers, etc.) and they are unfamiliar with the world outside of their compound. They are precious children who have been taught that their ‘one way’ is the only way to live. There will be many opportunities to learn more about FLDS in the media. If you want to see more about the lifestyle of the FLDS from the perspective of those who have lived there and left, go to www.bankingonheaven.com. We have also familiarized ourselves with Dr. Bruce Perry’s work about traumatized children. Dr. Perry worked with the Branch Davidian children in Waco and details his experiences and what he learned about this type of child trauma in his books and at his website www.childtraumaacademy.org.

Boys and Girls Country was not involved in the removal of the children, nor will we be involved in the decision about what happens to them in the future. We will work with the guardian ad litems (attorneys) appointed for each child to represent them, and will take our direction from Child Protective Services. OUR JOB is child care -- to take excellent care of the children while they live with us. We have every confidence that we will do that very well.

“How can I help”? Many former friends and new friends have asked: Here are a few ways:

• We know we will NOT need canned goods because the children have not eaten processed food. We have agreed to honor their dietary needs. Gift cards to grocery stores (Kroger, Randall’s, HEB, or Whole Foods) or a cash gift would be the best way to help with food. Specific food needs include:
  
  
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Whole Grain Bread
• Plain Yogurt
• Honey, Molasses, Pure Maple Syrup
• Unsalted Nuts
• Brown Rice
  
  
• We know we will NOT need donated children’s clothing at this point. Their clothing needs are unique and must be purchased or made. If you want to send money to purchase clothing, or offer to be a seamstress/tailor, that will be most helpful.
  
  
• We DO know we will need to hire one or more teachers to assess and educate the children. Waller ISD is our partner in this effort. These children have received very little education and we anticipate that they are behind their age level, and will need a great deal of remediation to catch up. If you are a certified teacher and can volunteer to assist with tutoring now or later in the summer for these, or other children, please apply.
  
  
• We are staffing the cottages with experienced houseparents. We will hire additional staff this month for a training class to begin in early June. Depending on the age of the children and the needs that arise, we may need more staff than usual. If you have always thought about being a houseparent, now would be a great time to talk to me about the lifestyle of a houseparent (single or couple) and your desire to be a part of this great Home.  [Apply Now]
  
  
• We have been told that there could be some security issues. We have hired security personnel to assist. This will be a new expense. Your donations could assist in this area.
  
  
• The needs of the children change daily and we have to respond quickly. If you want to help, your gifts of money or gift cards can be the most useful. You can easily make a gift online. Go to "Donate Now." OR you can come to see us and bring your check by the office. OR you can mail to our address.

While working with our new children is a new and unique opportunity, the children of Boys and Girls Country want you to know that they are still here too! They are excited about the new arrivals AND they want to make sure that we continue to focus on them and their needs. They are, after all, children.

You can see the (old) children of Boys and Girls Country and be a part of their Home by visiting the campus during Spring Festival, May 3rd, from 10 am to 5 pm. Our new children will not be part of this activity. But our other children will be, and this is a great opportunity to let them see that you care about them too! You can also take a tour and spend some time in the country.

Houston is blessed with wonderful people who open their hearts when there is a need. We have received many calls from people who want to help, and we are building an email list to use as other needs arise. If you would like your email address added, please send an email to our Development Department -- elaine.petranek@boysandgirlscountry.org.  

And please, pray for Boys and Girls Country and for all who are involved. This is a complicated and tragic situation and our hearts go out to the children -- and to all those who are working to help them. Make Boys and Girls Country a part of your prayers – we need your prayers and your support as always.


Shirley Wright
Executive Director