HOUSTON, Texas – Children whose parents can no longer care for them may enter foster care, but the state’s first priority is to place them with family, if possible—a process known as Kinship Care.
In Houston, DePelchin Children’s Center provides emotional support and financial assistance to ease the transition for relatives who take on parenting responsibilities.
Teri Brent, a grandmother, faced this challenge years ago when her daughter could no longer provide for her two young children.
“My daughter just wasn’t able to care for her children, mentally or financially. It got really bad to the point where I had to take them in and care for them,” Brent said.
DePelchin Children’s Center offers vital support for families like Brent’s. Jody Chandler, program manager, explained how they help caregivers adjust to their new roles.
“Our Kinship Navigator program supports any kinship or fictive kin caregiver taking care of youth in their home, ages 0-17, in Harris County and surrounding areas. The only requirement is that the children live in the home, and you feel you need support. From there, we provide case management services, assistance navigating the social system, and other forms of help,” Chandler said.
For Brent, these services were a lifeline as she struggled with the financial challenge of raising two young children.
“I was spending over a thousand dollars a month on daycare. They had no clothes, so I had to buy everything new. The food costs added up, and it wasn’t just me—I was feeding little ones, too,” Brent said.
Chandler acknowledged the financial strain kinship caregivers often face.
“Families may struggle to pay utility bills, cover back-to-school expenses, or manage rent or mortgage payments. We work to connect them with resources in Houston and surrounding areas. If we can’t find external resources, we look within DePelchin for ways to provide that support,” Chandler said.
In addition to DePelchin’s assistance, Brent credits her church, Life Changers International Ministries, for helping her and her grandkids get through tough times. She’s also thankful for the progress her daughter has made.
“My grandkids see their mother at least once a week now that she’s on a better path,” Brent shared.
Brent expressed deep gratitude for DePelchin’s support throughout her journey.
“I’m so honored and blessed to be part of their program. There’s hope even when it feels like there isn’t. You have to hold onto that hope because things don’t always happen the way we expect. Sometimes we need to step aside and let God take control,” Brent said.
September was Kinship Care Awareness Month. If you or someone you know could benefit from case management, emotional support, or assistance providing for youth in the home, visit DePelchin.org and select the Kinship Services tab, or call 713-730-2335.