AVAILABLE SERVICES
Our Mission is promoting safety and improving the lives of abused and neglected children.
Find yourself... in the service of others!
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CASA recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the court system to help secure a permanent, safe home.
Who does CASA serve?
We serve all children in the care of Fannin County Children’s Protective Services.
Volunteer Training
Volunteers are carefully screened and must complete 34 hours of initial training and 2 hours of courtroom observation before being assigned to a case. Volunteer trainings are generally held twice a year in the evenings in the spring and fall.
Advocate Duties
Once assigned to a case, volunteer advocates make phone calls and visits with the child, family members, therapists, caseworkers, lawyers, teachers and others involved in the child’s life. Advocates attend court hearings and meetings on behalf of the child and advocate for the child’s best interest. They also prepare written reports for the court which describe the information gathered and recommendations for securing a permanent, safe home for the child. Staff closely supervise each case and are available to assist and advise the advocates as needed.
Volunteer Information Session
- to be determined
- Please note that attending the volunteer information session does not obligate you to becoming a volunteer. Also, attending the session is not a requirement to becoming a volunteer, but it can be helpful if you want to learn more or have questions before you decide to apply.
Next CASA Training Class: Fall 2023
In-person classes on August 22 & 29 and Sept. 5, 12 & 19
Plus online work done at home on your schedule
Plus 2 hours of courtroom observation
Volunteer Application - click on the following link to complete your application on-line: Volunteer Application
Applications are accepted at any time.
Deadline to apply to be in the next training class is August 14, 2023.
For questions:
- Call Julie Luton at (903) 583-4339
- Come see us at 112 West Fifth Street, Bonham, Texas 75418
Children's Advocacy Center
Our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a neutral, child-friendly agency that facilitates a multi-disciplinary team approach in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse to bring the offenders to justice and promote healing for the victims.
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Fannin County Criminal District Attorney
- Child Protective Services
- Bonham Police Department
- Ector Police Department
- Fannin County Sheriff Office
- Honey Grove Police Department
- Leonard Police Department
- Savoy Police Department
- Trenton Police Department
- Bonham ISD Police Department
- Dodd City ISD Police Department
- Leonard ISD Police Department
- TMC Bonham Hospital
- Grayson County SART Program
- Fannin County Family Crisis Center
- Fannin County Juvenile Probation
- CASA
Forensic Interviewers
The CAC has staff who are specially trained in conducting forensic interviews with children. Forensic interviews are fact-finding interviews and an investigative tool. The goal is to find out what - if any - abuse did occur. Interviews are only conducted when requested by Child Protective Services, law enforcement or the District Attorney’s Office.
Report Suspect Abuse
All suspicions of child abuse must first be reported to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 and/or local law enforcement. If the report does not need an immediate response, reports can be made on-line at www.txabusehotline.org
Other Support Services
Other services available for the child victims and their protective family members at the CAC include:
- Individual and family counseling
- Advocacy
- Updates and information regarding the progress of the case in the criminal justice system
- Court orientation
- Court accompaniment
- Information and referrals
What is the Rainbow Room?
Can you take used items?
The short answer is no. Unfortunately, we do not have the space or manpower. In addition, there are several churches in Fannin County who operate used clothing closets and we don’t want to duplicate our efforts. Our children do get used clothing through these other sources and will get new clothing through this project. The children we serve have been abused and neglected. Often they have rarely, if ever, received new clothing or shoes. Getting new items can have a significant impact on the children in helping them feel cared for and fit in with their peers at school.
Did you know?
- there are more than one hundred Rainbow Rooms across the state of Texas
- the first Rainbow Room was started in Dallas in the early 1990's
Volunteer Roles
- Sort and organize donations
- Inventory items
- Data entry of inventory
- Go shopping and bargain hunting
- Organize a drive to collect clothes, coats, shoes, etc.
Wish List
- New children’s clothing for infants through teens
- New coats & jackets
- New underwear & socks
- New shoes
- Diapers, Pull-ups and baby wipes
- Pacifiers, teething toys
- Personal hygiene items
- Gift cards to clothing & discount stores and fast food restaurant.
- Duffel bags
We also accept cash donations to help re-stock our room and fulfill the needs for specific children. Checks should be made out to FCCC and should indicate that your gift is designated for the Rainbow Room or you can give online now.
2023 School Supply Drive & Fair
Saturday, August 5, 2023
9 am to 12 pm
at the Roy Floyd Community Center (Armory)
1100 W 5th in Bonham
Since 1997, the Children's Center has been providing free school supplies to needy children in Fannin County. Thanks to many generous donors, children from all over the county can get the supplies they need to start school.
We are looking forward to having a Back-to-School Fair again in 2023! New location this year: the Bonham Civic Center. Various other non-profits, businesses and other organizations will once again be invited to come and set up inside to provide other resources. Back to School 2023 Vendors Form
Families
Bring a social security card for each child in need of school supplies. In addition, please bring some proof of need, such as one of the following:
- Medicaid card
- Food stamp card
- Paycheck stub
Back to School Fair 2023
We are currently seeking groups who want to setup at our Back to School Fair. If you have something to giveaway or information about resources that could be helpful to the children and families who are served by this effort, we welcome you. It will be first come, first serve to get a spot inside at the Roy Floyd Community Center (Armory). Download, print and fill out the following form to reserve your spot. Contact Kesly for questions at (903) 583-4339 or kesly@fanninccc.org.
Back to School 2023 Vendors Form
Donate
Each year, in-kind donations of actual school supplies are needed in order to continue this important project. We also accept cash so you can leave the shopping to us! (Plus, we will buy the supplies tax free and make your donation stretch even farther!) The Fannin County Children’s Center is a 501(c)3 organization which means all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Donate Now!
Wish List
- Notebook paper (regular & college ruled)
- Pens & pencils
- Red pens & pencils
- Markers & crayons
- Watercolors
- Highlighters
- Sharpies
- Erasers
- Construction paper
- Manila paper
- Glue sticks & glue in bottles
- Folders (with & without brads)
- Spiral notebooks & composition books
- Three ring binders
- Scissors
- Backpacks
Bring or send donation to:
Fannin County Children's Center
112 W. 5th Street
Bonham, TX 75418
We are open Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm and accept donations anytime we are open.
We are proud to offer several options of classes for children, youth and adults aimed at preventing child abuse. Thanks to generous donors, there is no charge for these classes. Click on the links below to learn more and reserve your spot!
Scheduling
We are happy to bring our classes listed above to your school, church, business or other organization. We ask that your group have at least 8 people. Ideally, you can provide the equipment to show a DVD, but we can bring a laptop and projector if needed. Contact Amira Jabai at amira@fanninccc.org or call (903) 583-4339 to learn more and schedule your class at your location.
On-line Options
Can't make it to one of our classes? Please know we strongly encourage people to take a class in person, because the quality of learning is better because there is an opportunity to discuss the materials and ask questions. However, we also believe that taking the class on-line is better than not taking the class at all. Below are links to some on-line training options.
Recognizing & Reporting
On-line version of this class, for a nominal fee, from the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center at www.dcac.org
Stewards of Children
On-line version of this class, for a nominal fee from Darkness to Light at www.d2l.org
Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child:
Free on-line training class from the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services at www.dfps.texas.gov/Training/Reporting/default.asp
For Children and Youth:
An easy-going tone is quickly set for this age level by capturing the students’ attention early in the presentation with an animated movie. Afterwards, the points introduced in the movie are reinforced, and Joe and Suzy dolls provide a visual aid. Children are encouraged to take home a coloring book to discuss what they learned with family. Scripted presentation and movie are 30 minutes total.
The program expounds upon the Pre-K message with an interactive discussion on safety rules. Concepts such as “strangers” are defined and students name trusted adults that they could talk to if they had a problem. Students learn that there are some times when there’s a REASON for touching, and those situations are not secret, and are okay. Joe and Suzy dolls and coloring books boost the message. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Storytelling and the use of Joe & Suzy dolls further expound upon the Play it Safe!® concepts. Interspersed in these scripted stories are scenarios which help children process what action they could take, or how a character might feel. Stories portray the difference between discipline and unsafe touch, and coloring books reinforce this message. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Because the message is delivered through humor in the movie, the curriculum increases student interaction through questions & information processing to ensure comprehension of this important message. Joe and Suzy dolls are used once again to emphasize the message. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
In addition to the basic premise, internet safety is addressed as well as what it means to give out “personal information.” Additionally, the concepts of “taking advantage” of someone and bullying are explored. Discussion includes how difficult it can be when someone you care about asks you to keep a secret that you don’t want to keep, and how telling a trusted adult is the right thing to do. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Recognizing a slight shift in maturation of 4th graders, internet safety is more deeply examined. Discussion addresses how gaming with or meeting someone online might feel safe when that person appears to have the very same interests. However, it’s still a stranger, and caution should be taken just as if meeting a stranger in person. Taking safe action as a bystander to bullying is also introduced. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Internet safety further examines how someone can pretend to be someone they’re not, even through photos and video. The safety rule can be adapted when there are confusing or potentially threatening online situations. By knowing what’s okay and what isn’t, students are empowered to take action. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
The concepts of being taken advantage of and of being assertive, online sharing of personal information, touch and the safety rule are repeated, but in a way that speaks to this level of maturity. Students re-examine who are the trusted adults with whom they could talk. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Play it Safe!® is a child abuse awareness and prevention program developed by The Women's Center of Tarrant County and presented locally by the Fannin County Children's Center. It incorporates age-appropriate scripts and movies to teach children how to reduce their risk of sexual and physical abuse, and sexual assault. It teaches them to recognize potentially abusive behavior, provides the tools to respond to threatening situations, and encourages them to report abuse to a trusted adult.
Play it Safe!® is an evidence-informed, age-appropriate risk reduction program for Pre-K through high school age students. Each grade level’s interactive curriculum speaks to children in a way that they can best learn and respond.
Brief summaries of each grade level program are included below. To read even more about each grade level program and watch video trailers, go to:
www.playitsafe.org/curriculum_gradelevels.php
To schedule presenter(s) to come to your school, church or other youth serving organization, please contact Amira Jabai at or (903) 583-4339.
Respect for others is the first and vital step. This program builds empathy by tackling issues such as appreciation of our differences, bullying, cyberbullying, safe bystander intervention, and flirting vs. sexual harassment. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Whether dating yet or not, our goal with this theme is to help teens assess the characteristics of a relationship, and make deliberate choices as to what kind of relationship they want. All of us learn about intimate relationships from the household in which we’re raised, from other family and friends, and from the media. Yet, with so many destructive relational aspects being portrayed, it may be difficult to know how a healthy relationship should look. This presentation addresses healthy and unhealthy aspects of a relationship, including mutual respect, boundaries, jealousy and control, how to break up, and communication skills. Regardless of what we’ve seen and learned growing up, we can gain the tools to make a conscious decision about the kind of relationship we want. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Ever-changing technology will impact this and future generations beyond comprehension. Some teens are engaging in behaviors that have potentially serious consequences. The goal of this program is to educate about the consequences that exist as a result of sexting and cyberbullying. Those consequences can be emotional and/or legal. Although laws vary by state, and will likely continue to change, teens are discouraged from taking an unknown risk. They are encouraged to think BEFORE creating or forwarding anything sexual through electronic means. Sexting and cyberbullying are defined and the roles of bystander, victim and perpetrator are examined. Safe bystander intervention is addressed. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
This addresses a difficult topic that, unfortunately, affects many individuals, as well as their loved ones. Child sexual abuse is perpetrated upon not only young children, but youth of all ages. In an age-appropriate manner, this presentation addresses using power and control to sexually abuse a minor. It identifies tactics that perpetrators might use to groom an individual, as well as his/her family and community. Many victims of child sexual abuse not only know, but trust and care for the offender. For that reason, most never tell anyone about the abuse. An Abuse of Power empowers individuals to identify tactics and speak out against the abuse. This program emphasizes that a victim is never to blame, why it’s important to report this crime, and that victims can become survivors. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Both girls and boys receive mixed messages about sexuality and what is expected of them. Coercion is often times masked as love. This presentation examines consent from both an emotional and legal stance. It calls non-consensual sex just what it is – rape. It can be perpetrated against either gender, by either gender. Students are alerted to high-risk behaviors, non-stranger assault, victim blaming and communication. As always, students are assured that people can and do heal. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
Research confirms that as many as one in five adolescent females and one in ten adolescent males have been abused physically or sexually by a dating partner. This places them at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence. Violence is a learned behavior, but with work, can be un-learned. It typically follows a continuum, accelerating from emotional/verbal abuse in the form of continuous manipulation, humiliation, control, jealousy, obsessive texting, and stalking, to physical and/or sexual violence. This program’s goal is to alert teens to the signs of dating violence, and encourage them to make a conscious decision about the type of relationship they desire. Scripted presentation and movie are 45-60 minutes total.
For Adults:
(click on a numbered topic to view the information)
This class is designed for individuals and organizations that serve children and youth, providing prevention training for staff, volunteers, parents and other interested adults. Class is 1.5 hours long and utilizes video, class discussion and case studies. Certificate given to all who successfully complete the class.
Learning Objectives:
- The realities of child abuse detailing who becomes victims, who the likely perpetrators are and the prevalence of abuse in all communities.
- The legal definitions of child abuse
- Policies within child-serving organizations that need to exist to prohibit the potential for abuse
- Signs and symptoms of physical, sexual and mental abuse, as well as neglect
- How to communicate with a child who makes a disclosure of abuse
- How to make a report and how to overcome one’s fear’s and barriers around reporting
- What an advocacy center does
Schedule:
- check back soon for next scheduled class
On-line Option
Can’t make it to one of our classes? Please know we strongly encourage people to take a class in person, because the quality of learning is better because there is an opportunity to discuss the materials and ask questions. However, we also believe that taking the class on-line is better than not taking the class at all. On-line version of this class, for a nominal fee, from the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center at www.dcac.org
This class is designed for individuals and organizations that serve children and adolescents, providing prevention training for staff, volunteers, parents, and other interested adults. Class is 2 hours long and utilizes video, workbooks and class discussion. Certificate given to all who successfully complete the class.
Core Features:
- A video integrating segments of sexual abuse survivors relating their stories of violation and healing, with segments from the author of the curriculum and from professionals who interface daily with the problem of sexual abuse.
- An interactive workbook for each participant to use and keep.
- Discussion about critical issues in sexual abuse prevention and the relevance of these issues within organizations that serve children and adolescents. Led by an authorized facilitator.
- Training covers signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse, how to respond to suspicions of child sexual abuse and strategies to prevent child sexual abuse.
What participants have said:
- “This training was perfect for me as an employee of our school district. Very informative.”
- “The program was great – very informative not only to implement in our jobs but in our homes too, with our own children, to make our world a better place for all the precious children.”
- “I thought this training needs to be mandatory for everyone who works with children in our church.”
Schedule:
- check back for next scheduled class
On-line Option
Can’t make it to one of our classes? Please know we strongly encourage people to take a class in person, because the quality of learning is better because there is an opportunity to discuss the materials and ask questions. However, we also believe that taking the class on-line is better than not taking the class at all. On-line version of Stewards of Children, for a nominal fee from Darkness to Light at www.d2l.org
Since 1995, the Children's Center has provided Christmas presents to the children we are serving, thanks to generous donors from our local community.
Our Christmas Drive provides gifts of clothes, toys and other gifts to the children and youth who are being served by our two primary programs: CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center. For the last several years, we have served 220-300 children for Christmas.
Some of the children helped by this project are living in foster homes, away from family and friends. Other children have gone to live with grandparents or other relatives as a result of abuse or neglect. Many of these families struggle financially when one or more children suddenly come to live with them. In other families, the discovery of sexual abuse in the home has meant the loss of family income when the offender leaves.
Christmas 2022
We need the communities help to provide gifts for children and youth ages 0-18. Each child will receive a hoodie, coat or shoes, a book and 3-5 age appropriate gifts. We suggest allocating $150 per child, whether you choose to purchase gifts or make a monetary donation. (If you cannot give $150, please do not worry, your gift will be combined with other gifts to make it all work out for ALL of the children and youth we serve.)
Teddy Bear Trees
Please note that each paper teddy bear has only one wish each. We are often asked if this is the only thing this child will be getting? The short answer is “no.” Each child will get several Christmas presents. We split their presents up onto several teddy bears so that everyone who wants to help can, no matter what their budget allows. Everyone giving what they can adds up to a wonderful Christmas for all the children and youth served by our Center.
Many thanks to the following locations for setting up Teddy Bear Trees!
- Blessings & Butterflies
- Bonham Chrysler
- Bonham Veterinary Clinic
- Brookshire's Grocery
- CapTex Bank (Bonham & Trenton)
- Fannin Bank (Bonham & Honey Grove)
- Farm N Home Casualty (Pierson and Fendley Insurance)
- First United Bank
- Gayle's Restaurant
- Honey Grove Library & Learning Center
- Legend Bank
- Red River Gypsies
- Scriptx Honey Grove Pharmacy
- Stay Grounded Coffee Company
- Tax-Assessor Collector’s Office (Tag Office)
- Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
- Veritex Bank
- WalMart
Amazon Wish List - If you prefer to shop on-line, be sure to check out our Amazon Wish List! You can even choose to have your gifts delivered directly to our center.
Wish List for Christmas gifts for kids
- Toys for children under 3
- Arts and craft sets, markers, colored pencils, paints, paper, etc,
- Make up sets, perfume or cologne sets
- Bath & Body sets – for teen girls and teen boys
- Curling irons, straighteners and make up mirrors
- Blue tooth speakers, head phones and earbuds
- Lego sets
- Family board games
- Baby dolls with accessories such as strollers, beds, clothing, etc.
- Remote control cars and trucks
- Coats for boys and girls of all ages
- Hoodies for teens
- Tennis shoes
- Clothing for toddlers
- Hat, gloves and scarf sets
- Fleece or soft, fuzzy blankets
- Bedding sets (twin and full size)
- Sports ball – footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls
- $25 Gift cards to WalMart and Amazon
- Gift cards to local fast food restaurants
Donate Cash
For donors who are short on time, the center also accepts cash donations which will be used to purchase gifts. Make a check out to FCCC and indicate it is for Christmas or pay by credit or debit card and give now.
When?
We ask that the donations arrive by Friday, December 9 or earlier if possible. Donations can be dropped off anytime we are open, Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm.
We will continue accepting donations past the deadline. We will start delivering presents in early December and will continue to do so, especially the week of Dec 12-16.
Extended Hours
We will have extended holiday hours to allow more time to drop off gifts
8 am to 6 pm on December 6-8, 2022.
Where?
Bring gifts to the Children's Center at 112 West Fifth Street, Bonham, TX 75418
Holiday Helpers
Interested in hosting a collection drive or volunteering with this year's Christmas Drive? Contact Amira Jabai at or Kim Skidmore at or (903) 583-4339 to learn more about how you can volunteer.