Family Resource Centers

Fort Worth Star Telegram - Friday June 13, 2003 - Jan Jarvis

By the time she was 7, Noel's outbursts had become so violent that her mother feared the dark-eyed girl would hurt them both.  But, with no transportation and an eviction looming, this single mother did not know how to get help.  "When a child is raging like that, just try putting her on a bus to get her somewhere for help," said Noel's mother Angie, who asked that their last name not be used because she was concerned her child would be ostracized. 

This family’s experience is not uncommon in Tarrant County, where an estimated 20 percent of children and adolescents experience symptoms of a mental health disorder, according to the nonprofit organization the Mental Health Connection.  But with only 15 child and adolescent psychiatrists in the county - in contract to the 60 that are needed to serve the population - waiting lists can be long, mental health officials say. 

Finding help can be challenging but in Noel's case a new system made it easier.  After only one meeting with the workers from Fort worth school district's Family Resource Center, the family was on its way to counseling, medication, groceries, and housing.  The idea is to provide families in crisis easier access to mental health services, as well as other social programs.

“A large percentage of families are very reluctant to seek and for many going to an agency is very intimidating,” said Mike Steinert, Fort Worth school district’s Coordinator of Family and Community Resources.  “This demystifies the process.  Putting the mental health in schools made sense because that’s where families are…it’s a neutral zone where they tend to feel more comfortable.”  Most of the children receiving services are referred to the Centers by school counselors, but families can also walk in and ask for help. 

“The approach gets the family more involved and empowers them,” said Dale Edmiaston, Family Resource Center Site Coordinator.  “Traditionally professionals have told families what they need…with this approach, we listen to the family first.”

Before Noel was referred to the Family resource center, her mother said she had almost given up.  But with counseling and medication her daughter has improved dramatically.

“I have a wonderful child now,” she said.