In 2007, Child Protective Services confirmed 5,443 cases of child abuse among the 651,832 children in Dallas County. The challenges of Texas CPS meeting our children’s needs have been dramatically documented in the last five years.  Without the proper help, tragically, these victims of child abuse are 33% more likely to continue the generational cycle and victimize their own families.   

Very few sliding fee scale beds and no free programs exist for adolescents who need assistance.  For those who do receive services, the trend is to place more of them in home-based foster families.  However, for many adolescents, a new foster home placement fails due to the conflict between bonding with a new family and their developmental needs to establish their own identities separate from their caregivers.  Unfortunately, once a placement fails, adolescents are often in need of a more structured environment. 

Our Friends Place provides this structure.