We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tina Capito. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tina below.

Tina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When you’ve been a professional in an industry for long enough, you’ll experience moments when the entire field takes a U-Turn, an instance where the consensus completely flips upside down or where the “best practices” completely change. If you’ve experienced such a U-Turn over the course of your professional career, we’d love to hear about it.

In recent years, child welfare in Texas has taken a drastic U-turn, presenting a complex web of challenges and unintended consequences. When the Garden of Hope of Central Texas opened its doors in 2019, the dire need for foster care beds was immediately apparent, with the facility consistently operating at full capacity. However, as time progressed, the system faced even greater hurdles, exacerbated by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing bed shortages. Despite efforts to improve the situation, two pivotal laws enacted with the intention of enhancing the system have inadvertently impacted the removal and safety of children.

The first of these laws, implemented in 2021, altered the definition of “intimate danger” to a child, aiming to provide clearer guidelines for identifying and addressing threats to children’s well-being. However, the unintended consequence has been a notable decrease in removals, raising concerns about the safety of children in volatile or abusive environments. Furthermore, the 2023 law prohibiting anonymous calls regarding child welfare concerns was intended to promote accountability and thorough investigation. Nonetheless, this measure has led to a significant decline in reports, hindering the ability to swiftly intervene in cases of abuse or neglect. As a result, despite the desire to minimize unjust separations, the pendulum has swung towards a critical shortage of placements for children in need, creating a precarious balance between preserving family integrity and ensuring children’s safety.

Tina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Regis University. My educational career began when I was 22 years old as a substitute teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before I became a certified teacher. I have taught in various locations, including Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kenner, Louisiana (Jefferson Parish); Mannheim, Germany (with Zodea); and Killeen Independent School District in Central Texas. Throughout my career, I have taught elementary, middle, and high school students, specializing in all levels of special education, including inclusion, resource services, self-contained behavior, and homebound services. I later moved to the district level, where I built transitional programs for special needs children, involving staff training and community relationship building to empower special education families. Although I currently work in foster care with Garden of Hope of Central Texas, this career change was to help children in foster care. With over 20 years of experience in non-profit through servicing on dozens of boards, I felt it was my calling. As my 2 personal children are grown building their own lives I felt helping children was my purpose.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Working in child welfare requires immense resilience, especially in the face of challenges like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Garden of Hope began its journey in 2019, a time when there were already many children in need of placements, but the financial aspect of serving in child welfare was not as much of a struggle. However, as the pandemic unfolded, hiring challenges and a significant U-turn in child removal policies began to impact those who run foster homes, shelters, and agencies dedicated to helping foster care children. The goal has always been to ensure the safety and well-being of children, and we never want to remove children who are safe in their homes. However, the concern arises with the law changes that have led to this drastic U-turn, potentially leading to the shutdown of foster homes and facilities that will be needed later when the U-turn takes a turn again.

Despite these challenges, individuals working in child welfare continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication to their mission. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of always having a safe place for a child when they have been abused or neglected, ensuring they receive the care and support they need during their time of trauma. The commitment of those in child welfare to provide a safe haven for these children is unwavering, even in the face of ever-changing circumstances and policies. Their resilience serves as a testament to their passion for protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable members of our society.

Continually fundraising, writing grants, and seeking donor support is an ongoing challenge. However, the real reward comes when you receive a call in the middle of the night that children need placement. When they arrive at the facility scared and unsure, it reaffirms that the efforts are worthwhile. Witnessing children who have never experienced a proper bed or shower, and who react with fear to running water, underscores the critical role of the facility in providing comfort and care. Despite the challenges, knowing that the facility is a beacon of safety and support for these children drives the determination to weather any storm and ensure the facility remains open in their times of need.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

Funding a foster care agency like Garden of Hope presents a unique set of challenges. Initially, an angel funder played a crucial role by donating the funds needed to open the doors, enabling the facility to operate smoothly day-to-day. However, maintaining financial stability has become increasingly difficult, especially amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19 and changes in laws affecting funding. The heart of the business is to provide care for any child in need, but the business aspect requires navigating complex funding structures. In Texas, for instance, rates for children in residential facilities vary based on age and circumstances. Children under the age of five count as two, but the rate remains the same, and if a facility cares for a parenting youth and their child, they only receive payment for the youth, despite having to provide for both. Additionally, long-term care rates are significantly lower than emergency services, further complicating financial sustainability.

Despite these challenges, funding a foster care facility remains crucial for the well-being of children in need. The goal is to never accept or decline children based on funding rates, but rather to ensure that every child receives the care and support they require. This is made possible through the generosity of donors, grants, and fundraising efforts that bring communities together to support foster care children. The dedication and commitment of individuals and communities to provide for these children highlight the importance of ongoing support and funding for foster care agencies like Garden of Hope.

Contact Info:

• Website: Gardenofhopecentraltexas.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenofhope.ctx?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: PO BOX 2141 Harker Heights TX 76548 254-432-2117

Image Credits
Khandiese Cooper – 1st image of me with khanetic Images