Burke Center for Youth is a nonprofit organization formed in 1973 to care for Texas children who are removed from their home environments due to abuse, neglect, or problems with the law. We are providing help and hope to children in crisis through our services. These are the children that belong to no one, and yet, they belong to us all. Help us to help these children in order that they may eventually belong in a family.

OUR MISSION with these children is to turn back the hands of time, and help them build self respect, self reliance, and self esteem.

OUR HOPE is to help them to unlock and melt away the pain and help them see that they are indeed loveable.

OUR GOAL is that they depart from here as productive, responsible citizens.

OUR WORK is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect..

We invite you to learn more about us and the youth we serve.

Facts about Child Abuse

Child Abuse is Far too Prevalent in our Society

In the United States:

• 4 children per day die as a result of abuse or neglect

• Every 10 seconds a child is victimized by abuse and/or neglect

• The rate of child abuse is 10 times the rate of cancer

Statistics on Texas Children in Transition

• Texas has approximately 34,275 children in the foster care system (2006)

Removal of Children from Abusive/Neglectful Environments

Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) is responsible for identifying and responding to cases of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, medical neglect, physical neglect, neglectful supervision or refusal to accept parental responsibility of our state’s children. In 2006, The State of Texas confirmed 67,737 victims of child abuse/neglect.

CPS confirmed abuse/neglect as the cause of death for 227 children in FY 2006. More than 41% were under 1 year of age, and 30% were 1-3 years of age.

Foster Care

When it is not safe for children to live with their own families, CPS petitions the court to remove the children from their homes. They may be placed temporarily with relatives, a verified foster family, or an emergency shelter. Verified foster families provide a safe, nurturing environment for most children in CPS care. Foster families receive reimbursements for the cost of caring for children. CPS is required to arrange all medical, dental, and therapeutic services needed by the child. Some children have special emotional needs or other disabilities that can be difficult to address in a foster home. These children may be placed in specialized group homes, residential treatment centers, or other facilities.

In 2006, CPS reported that there were 34,275 children in foster care within Texas.

Therapeutic Care

For children who are unable to make an immediate transition to foster care, longer term residential care in licensed facilities provide care and therapy.

Permanent Adoption

In 2006, the State of Texas completed 3,376 adoptions of displaced children.

Teens Transitioning Out of Foster Care

Upon reaching age 18, youth transition out of the State’s care to independent living. Additional resources for this population can be accessed at www.texasyouthconnection.org

All of the above information is referenced from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Child Protective Services annual report, 2006. (www.dfps.state.tx.us)