Foster Care

As Hispanic Heritage Month shines a light on the importance of culture and tradition, the Gutierrez family shares how their roots guide their journey as foster parents. “We're trying to teach the girls,” Yolanda Gutierrez said. “We are Mexican Americans, and we love our Mexican heritage.” Family is at the heart of Hispanic culture, and for these Arrow foster parents, ...

Shelly Hansen and her husband did not hesitate to say yes to welcoming their grandchildren into their home. Child Protective Services placed the children in their care after their daughter made the difficult decision to relinquish her rights. The Hansens chose to move forward with permanent managing conservatorship and adoption. “We have had the children with us since they were ...

Let’s meet Earlie and Retta Waller!  Their journey as Kinship grandparents began in 2023, when the Wallers took in their grandchildren following the devastating loss of one of the siblings due to physical abuse in their home. With hearts already open, they then opened their home to the five grandkids to ensure they remained together in the midst of this ...

Let’s meet Pauline Sinegal! Arrow staff recently nominated Pauline Sinegal for Kinship Family of the year, staff stating that Sinegal exemplifies the meaning of sacrifice and unconditional love. Sinegal’s journey with kinship begins with a call from Child Protective Services. Child Protective Services reached out to Sinegal after her twin grandchildren were born with drugs in their system. She didn’t ...

On Monday, May 19, a beautiful chapter came full circle as Marcus Giovanni Westley Dennis was officially adopted into his forever family. Arrow Case Manager Michaela Zocchi was honored to witness the emotional hearing, where more than 10 DHS workers — spanning from Marcus’ first CPS caseworker to his final foster care advocate — gathered to celebrate this life-changing moment ...

Huge shoutout to the incredible generosity of our East Texas communities as more than 200 prom dresses were collected for youth in foster care. Each donated by individuals and organizations from Paris to Tyler. We were proud to partner with The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) of Whitehouse, where students and instructors provided complimentary hair and makeup services to help young ...

Arrow’s Associate VP of Capacity Development, Scott Batson, joined CW39’s Sharron Melton live in studio to highlight Foster Care Awareness Month. Batson emphasized the critical need for foster families in Harris County—and Texas, especially for children with disabilities, older youth, and sibling groups. The segment was an amazing spotlight and provided actionable steps for getting involved. It was a powerful ...

Arrow foster parents Fiona and Bradley Ingham were featured on CW39 Houston, sharing their inspiring 10-year journey of fostering children in the Humble area. The couple opened up about the challenges and rewards of fostering and the life-changing impact it’s had on their family. Their message to others: say “yes” and change a life. WATCH HERE: Arrow Family Featured on ...

Rusk, Texas — 4Kids4Families is proud to announce a new partnership with Annie’s Closet, an organization based in Rusk, Texas, dedicated to providing foster and kinship families in Cherokee County with essential items to meet the daily needs of children in their care. Since opening its doors in August 2022, Annie’s Closet has served over 400 families, thanks to the ...

On May 1, 2024, 4Kids4Families launched Stage Two of Community-Based Care, marking a transformative step in how we serve children and families across region 4. With this shift, we took full responsibility for foster care case management, along with Youth Achievement (PAL), care management, legal affairs, community engagement, adoptions, kinship support and more. The past year has brought both growth ...