Latest news with #JaclynTyler
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month in Cherokee County
County Judge Chris Davis recently signed a proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Cherokee County. The proclamation recognizes that children thrive when provided a safe, stable, nurturing environment and that it is critical to build a support system for families in crisis. The document also states that child maltreatment is still a significant public health issue. 'Child abuse prevention occurs every day through the diligent work and the tireless advocacy undertaken by Texas families, friends, neighbors, houses of faith, advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, health-care providers, social workers and government agencies to support children and families in every community across the Lone Star State,' reads the proclamation. 'Child abuse and prevention cannot be tasked to one community, agency or system,' the proclamation continues. 'Together, we can create a brighter future for children, families and communities in Texas and ensure tomorrow's leaders have the support they need to thrive and reach their potential.' Cherokee County Family Services Board President Jaclyn Tyler said it is important for the community to work together to shed light on the issue. 'It is our responsibility to protect those that are unable to protect themselves,' Tyler said. 'April is a month we can all come together as a community and spread awareness. It is critical that this issue stays as a community focus when we are interacting with our local youth population and are always aware of situations that need to be reported.' The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services notes the following signs of child abuse. Physical Abuse: – Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black eyes, or burns without adequate explanations – Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury – Burns or bruises in unusual patterns that may indicate the use of an instrument or human bite; cigarette burns on any part of the body – Lack of reaction to pain – Extreme fear of going home or seeing parents – Injuries that appear after a child has not been seen for several days – Unreasonable clothing that may hide injuries to arms or legs Neglect: – Obvious malnourishment – Consistent concern for lack of personal hygiene that poses a health risk – Stealing or begging for food – Child unattended for long periods of time – Unaddressed need for dental care or other medical attention Sexual Abuse: – Physical signs of sexually transmitted diseases – Evidence of injury to the genital area – Pregnancy in a young girl – Difficulty in sitting or walking – Extreme fear of being alone with adults of a certain sex – Sexual comments, behaviors, or play beyond what is considered age-appropriate behavior – Knowledge of sexual relations beyond what is expected for a child's age – Sexual victimization of other children Emotional Abuse: – Over compliance or low self-esteem caused by scapegoating or verbal abuse by caregivers – Severe depression, anxiety, or aggression – Lagging in physical, emotional, and intellectual development – Caregiver who belittles the child, withholds love, and seems unconcerned about the child's problems – Significant changes to behavior, such as withdrawal or over-aggression – Significant changes to weight, such as substantial weight gain or weight loss. If one suspects a child is being abused, Texas law requires it be reported. Suspected abuse should be reported to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Reporting can be done by use of a 24-hour, toll-free abuse hotline, 1-800-252-5400. The identity of reporters is confidential and reports can be made anonymously. According to the DFPS website, 'You are protected by law from liability when you make a report or provide information in good faith during a CPS investigation. However, you are not protected from civil or criminal liability if you report your own abuse or neglect of a child or intentionally file a false report against someone else.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Longtime Cherokee County Child and Family Service Board members retires
Barbara Hugghins, a longtime member of the Cherokee County Child and Family Services Board, has retired. Hugghins, who served more than 30 years, began her association with the board as a foster parent. She said she had one foster daughter from second grade through high school graduation, a couple of teen boys through graduation and several short-term placements. 'As a foster parent, the board helps you and that was the way it started,' Hugghins said. 'You have to work closely with CPS because you're supervised by a caseworker. I worked with Child Protective Services and the child welfare board and then Court Appointed Special Advocates and I don't remember when I was officially elected to the board.' She said seeing children able to return to their families or find adoptive homes were positives she witnessed during her tenure with the board. One change she's seen over the years is kinship care, where children are placed with relatives in this area, which enables them to remain in their own communities and schools. Among the highlights of her tenure and things Hugghins said the board did well were the annual appreciation banquets, the children's Christmas party and the Rainbow Room, a storage closet -available to caseworkers around the clock – that provides necessities for caseworkers and foster parents. Hugghins not only served on the local board, but the regional board – serving 23 East Texas counties – and the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards. Hugghins said she wanted the public to know the CCCFSB is appointed by the county judge and it seeks representation from the various parts of the county. 'Whoever is on the board is very conscientious about the needs of the children, about working with CPS caseworkers and investigators,' she said. 'There are about 15 members on the board and they are very faithful in their service. Hugghins cited her age as the reason for her resignation from the board. 'I didn't do anything spectacular,' she said. 'We all worked together.' Hugghins said she will continue to volunteer as a hostess at Love's Lookout and the food pantry at First Methodist Church. 'The Cherokee County Child & Family Services board would like to thank Barbara for her many years of service, generosity and commitment to the foster children of Cherokee County, and wish her all the best as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement,' said Jaclyn Tyler, CCCFSB Chairwoman. The CCCFSB is a nonprofit organization that helps ensure appropriate services are provided to all abused, neglected, and at-risk children in Cherokee County. If interested in volunteering or to learn more, visit CCCFSB meets at 4:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Jacksonville Public Library. Meetings are open to the public. To be included on the agenda, contact Jaclyn Tyler at 903-284-3860 at least 30 days prior to meeting.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Longtime Cherokee County Child and Family Service Board members retires
Barbara Hugghins, a longtime member of the Cherokee County Child and Family Services Board, has retired. Hugghins, who served more than 30 years, began her association with the board as a foster parent. She said she had one foster daughter from second grade through high school graduation, a couple of teen boys through graduation and several short-term placements. 'As a foster parent, the board helps you and that was the way it started,' Hugghins said. 'You have to work closely with CPS because you're supervised by a caseworker. I worked with Child Protective Services and the child welfare board and then Court Appointed Special Advocates and I don't remember when I was officially elected to the board.' She said seeing children able to return to their families or find adoptive homes were positives she witnessed during her tenure with the board. One change she's seen over the years is kinship care, where children are placed with relatives in this area, which enables them to remain in their own communities and schools. Among the highlights of her tenure and things Hugghins said the board did well were the annual appreciation banquets, the children's Christmas party and the Rainbow Room, a storage closet -available to caseworkers around the clock – that provides necessities for caseworkers and foster parents. Hugghins not only served on the local board, but the regional board – serving 23 East Texas counties – and the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards. Hugghins said she wanted the public to know the CCCFSB is appointed by the county judge and it seeks representation from the various parts of the county. 'Whoever is on the board is very conscientious about the needs of the children, about working with CPS caseworkers and investigators,' she said. 'There are about 15 members on the board and they are very faithful in their service. Hugghins cited her age as the reason for her resignation from the board. 'I didn't do anything spectacular,' she said. 'We all worked together.' Hugghins said she will continue to volunteer as a hostess at Love's Lookout and the food pantry at First Methodist Church. 'The Cherokee County Child & Family Services board would like to thank Barbara for her many years of service, generosity and commitment to the foster children of Cherokee County, and wish her all the best as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement,' said Jaclyn Tyler, CCCFSB Chairwoman. The CCCFSB is a nonprofit organization that helps ensure appropriate services are provided to all abused, neglected, and at-risk children in Cherokee County. If interested in volunteering or to learn more, visit CCCFSB meets at 4:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Jacksonville Public Library. Meetings are open to the public. To be included on the agenda, contact Jaclyn Tyler at 903-284-3860 at least 30 days prior to meeting.
