Hold Belong SJRC caseworkers accountable for policy violations against Kinship Caregivers

My name is Judi Weber, and I am writing this petition because I believe the rights of kinship caregivers must be protected and prioritized in all child welfare proceedings. This cause is deeply personal to me due to my experience with Lilith, who lived under my care for 26 months until she was reunified with her mother on July 2nd. Her mother, unfortunately, is on felony deferred adjudication for child abuse causing serious bodily injury.

During the entire process, I was systematically excluded from participating actively in Lilith's permanency hearings and court hearings by the caseworker from Belong, a part of SJRC in Texas. It was evident that there were deliberate attempts to deny me the chance to advocate for Lilith's best interests, despite having provided her with a stable and nurturing environment for over two years.

The issue does not stop there. After I reported these policy violations, the situation worsened. The retaliation from Belong was swift and severe, and now I am being refused any opportunity to visit Lilith. This stance by Belong highlights a significant flaw in our child welfare system that must be addressed without delay.

Kinship caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of vulnerable children. They are often relatives or family friends who step in during times of crisis, providing love and stability. Despite their critical role, many, like myself, are systematically prevented from having a voice in court when decisions are made about the child's future.

**Facts Supporting the Need for Change:**
- Studies have shown that children in kinship care placements have better outcomes in terms of stability, school attendance, and emotional well-being compared to those in non-relative foster care.
- Texas law emphasizes the importance of family preservation and reunification, yet the current policies do not align with these goals when kinship caregivers are sidelined.
- According to a report by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), involving kinship caregivers can contribute to more successful planning and decision-making for the child's future.

**Proposed Solution:**
We are calling on Texas legislators and child welfare authorities to amend the current policies to ensure that kinship caregivers:
1. Receive proper notice of all court and permanency hearings involving the child in their care.
2. Are given the right to be heard and to advocate for the child during these hearings.
3. Are not subjected to manipulation or retaliation by agencies like Belong or SJRC for standing up for the child's best interests.

It is crucial that these changes are enacted to protect the rights of kinship caregivers and the children they care for. Only then can we ensure a system that truly prioritizes the well-being and future of the children involved.

Please lend your support to this petition. By signing, you are standing up for kinship caregivers and advocating for the systemic change needed to ensure their voices—and those of the children they care for—are heard and respected.