DePelchin Children's Center

Although DePelchin places children of all ages with our foster families, we specialize in placement and care of high need children. e.g. sibling groups, infants to be reunited with family, African-American and Hispanic/Latino children, children with medical and other special needs, and children older than 8.

DePelchin believes every child deserves a forever family. Through our CPS adoption program, we support couples and individuals who wish to adopt children in the custody of Child Protective Services who need a permanent, loving home. Through our private infant adoption program, we support couples and individuals who desire to adopt an infant. We also work with birth parents who are considering placing their child with a loving, adoptive family. In all cases, DePelchin works with prospective parents currently residing in the Greater Houston as well as in Texas counties in the vicinity of Austin, Lubbock, and San Antonio.

Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) serves children and families at risk for involvement in the child welfare and / or juvenile justice systems. DePelchin's PEI programs help children, youth and families overcome crises, build interpersonal and parenting skills, and improve family functioning. They include free home and school-based services provided by DePelchin clinicians that are integrated with healthcare, education and other service providers and partners.

DePelchin's Prevention and Early Intervention services work to strengthen and support children and families while decreasing the future need for more intensive services. Our programs target children and families at risk of, or currently experiencing, a range of challenging issues, including family conflict, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, bullying and school drop out.

DePelchin supports at-risk youths with a range of evidence-based programs available throughout the Greater Houston area: counseling, at-risk education, and other services to youths and families living in crisis. School-based programs focus on positive youth development and the prevention of issues such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use, bullying and delinquency.

Parent education classes help parents gain knowledge and realistic expectations about young children's development and capabilities while learning effective, age-appropriate methods for child discipline. This helps parents and maintain healthy relationships with their children and work through family challenges such as conflict and divorce.

DePelchin also has a residential program in Houston that helps young adults who are aging out of foster care to prepare for a brighter future by finding gainful employment and, furthering their education. Participants gain a safe place to live while learning how to save money and meet adult financial responsibilities.