Texas Faces Challenges Placing Polygamist Group's Children
462 children have been removed from the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado, TX following the April 3, raid. A raid that was organized after a telephone call from a 16-year-old girl alleged abusive treatment from her 49-year-old husband. The girl has yet to be found and newest reports speculate that the call was a prank. Now the state of Texas is working to make sure that the 16 group homes that will be caring for these children are prepared for upcoming challenges. The challenge of culture shock!
According to reports the children have been raised to fear outsiders. It's been said that they don't know that we're at war and have no clue that President Bush is the current leader of our country. In order to make for a smoother transition into mainstream culture the state is opting for group homes and facilities at this time.
The Texas Department of Child Protective Services has issued two primers, "Model for Care For Children From the Yearning For Zion Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Sect" and "Cultural Awareness Guide for Children From Eldorado."
Some of the suggestions in the primers include:- No TV, Internet, movies, radio or cell phone usage at this time.
- Don't ask about religion.
- Don't press if the children avoid eye contact.
- Prepare familiar meals such as whole grains and fresh fruits. They are not familiar with processed foods.
- No red clothing. No red shoes. Nothing red in the environment as the FLDS church members believe red is reserved for Jesus Christ. They believe that when He returns, He will be wearing red robes.
- Allow them to continue to wear pioneer clothing, worship, sing and pray as they did on the ranch.
- Home school the children at the group homes until ready to mainstream into public schools.
Going with group homes over traditional foster families allows the children to remain together in large groups with their siblings. A traditional foster home may be more of a culture shock to the children. Group homes are usually temporary and stays average about 90 days, but presiding Judge over the case, Judge Walther, has already issued a court order for discussions to begin if the children need more time.
Perhaps these children shouldn't be taught everything about our culture. How can we ever explain Britany Spears or little Hannah Montana's recent photo shoot? But, you know what? Their culture is a shock to me. Latest numbers suggest that approximately 30 mothers are under the age of 18. Family tress are so confusing that it may take weeks to sort out and DNA test results are not expected for another couple of weeks.
SOURCES:
Tough Transitions for Polygamy Sect Children - ABC News
US polygamist sect children head to foster care - AFP
Polygamist sect children present a cultural challenge for foster-care facilities - Houston Chronicle
Sect Children Face Another World, but Still No TV - The New York Times
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Related Reading:- Elements that Impact a Foster or Adopted Child's Grief
- How to Create a Safety Plan - Exactly what is being done for the YFZ children.
Comments
We talked to one of the agencies that are going to be housing a lot of the children because we were interested in fostering them. They told us that aside from all of the reasons mentioned above, the children will not be placed in individual foster homes because they are very worried that if a child sees a TV show or has one bite of a Happy Meal, the FLDS will sue the pants off CPS and the foster parents themselves. So they are not even thinking about it until rights are terminated, which in Texas must take place within 18 months. Another interesting twist to this very complex situation.