Foster Kids Struggle To Claim Belongings From CPS
Crystal Martinez’s possessions are more precious than the average teenager’s. The 18-year-old, who as a child was abused and neglected by her biological family, has not had a permanent home since entering foster care at 7.
When she was sent to a San Antonio residential treatment center in July 2009, she had to leave almost everything she owned — books, stuffed animals and mementos jammed into boxes and shopping bags — with Child Protective Services.
But when she went to claim them six months later, Martinez made a heartbreaking discovery: Most of what she had stored was gone.
Despite her ...
Comments (3)
Angel Johnson-Nelson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
That is horrible! These kids deserve more than that! How can people help to change this?
Betty Boomer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I know or I should say... I KNEW... a few people that survived foster homes in USA. It is sad, since the three people I knew had serious mental problems; took PROZAC, worked custodian jobs... the two women and one man lived in Fields Landing, California. It was a sad story to see them struggle paying bills especially their rent of two apartments. Why? one younger sister could not reside with the other two sheeple. It was very sad. It's something I wouldn't want to experience or relive the moments. Sorry... so short but it is truth.
Truth Hurts
CPS is as much a source of abuse as it is an agency meant to prevent and heal abuse. The problem is that the state has no real commitment to those in need in our state. Texas goes through the motions, throws its arms in the air in outrage when something horrible goes wrong (as it does without said commitment) -- and then goes back along it's way, patting itself on the back for keeping the costs of social services low.
The result of these policies is that CPS is a monster in the business of monsters -- but still a monster no less.