Featured Client of the Week: Mother and Child

On a rainy day in October, a twenty year old YPS graduate in crisis came to CCCTX with her five day old daughter after fleeing from her residence due to a violent episode with her maternal grandmother. Client stated that she was not in danger; however, she had no place to stay with her newborn.  Client fled with only her diaper bag, 2 diapers, a car seat, and the clothes on her back.  Mother and baby arrived very wet and very distraught around 5pm. Supervisor Watson did the initial assessment and engagement process while Case manager (CM) Blincoe assisted. As the assessment progressed, it was discovered that the mother and newborn were in danger and at risk for great harm. For client was a victim of domestic violence and the alleged perpetrator was her mother. 

After several hours of discussion and 15 calls to several agencies throughout Travis and Williamson County, client was continually declined services because of the age of the newborn and client’s physical condition; she still had stitches due to a cesarean delivery.  Because of the great risk of harm for the newborn and that CCCTX believes it is unacceptable for a mother and newborn to sleep on the streets in the rain, we provided client with 2 weeks of hotel stay, several gift cards for baby items, food, and the support she needed. We also provided spiritual counseling and daily visits with her and baby.

After 7 months, mother and child will soon be completing case management services with CCCTX and will be able to continue to pursue her life dreams on her own.  Client will leave case management with the tools and skills she needs to be completely self-sufficient. When client arrived she had nothing except the clothes on her back.  Soon she will leave our program with the skills to continue to have: a healthy, happy baby; a safe place; a budget that sustains a lifestyle; a decision in the federal programs desired; a relationship with and the support of several Austin programs that specialize in child development; a counselor specializing in domestic violence; a plan for parenting; and, the tools to help her sustain her new life, as well as, the knowledge she needed to continue to work on the reunification process with father and maternal grandmother.  All services she learned or obtained through CCCTX. Recently, client was given a $200 gift card for baby items as a gift for all her hard work.

Client has stated during case management the following:

CCCTX became my surrogate family during a very difficult time. I love talking to case managers and supervisor about my problems. They really help me. CCCTX provided me the hope I needed and helped me find a future for me and my baby. Without CCCTX, I am not sure what we would have done or if I would have had to give my baby up.  Because of CCCTX, we now have a life together and we are fine.

Recently client was asked to describe her experience with the program and what skills she learned with YPS. Client stated “I learned a lot about how to be on my own, to eat right, and take care of my baby right”. When asked how these skills are useful for her today she stated that all of the skills learned are helpful in sustaining her life and firmly stated “now we are living again.”