In 1991, Christian Services for Children in Alabama (CSCA) was incorporated as a nonprofit 501© (3) agency to provide services for children and youth who are in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. CSCA’s vision to serve children and their families resulted from the efforts of a task force established by members from the Sellers Memorial Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church located in Lowndes County, Alabama. The task force was created out of concerns for services unavailable to children and families within their own community primarily Lowndes County and other surrounding rural counties. Through contractual agreement with the State Department of Human Resources (SDHR) and managerial guidance of the agency’s parent organization (Disciples Benevolent Services, Health and Social Unit of the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ) a partnership was formed with SDHR to create community-based services for abused and neglected children and their families. In close collaboration with the local Departments of Human Resources, Therapeutic Foster Care was established to serve children and youth who required out of home care in the private homes of trained foster families. Therapeutic Foster Care is uniquely designed to help youth explore healthy outlets to healing occurring from the abuse and neglect they have suffered.

In 1996 CSCA expanded its mission of caring for abused and neglected children and families with the State Department of Human Resources through the provision of Family Preservation and Reunification Services. Family Preservation Program is intended to help family remain safely together and learn healthier ways to cope with life challenges without unnecessary separation.

CSCA’s primary funding source is its contractual agreement with the State Department of Human Resources, but it has also relied on the ministry of the Disciples Benevolent Services Development Program in the solicitation of additional funding. CSCA receives monetary support from its local advisory council, private individuals, churches and community businesses. Finally, CSCA is grateful for its covenant relationship and support of The Christian Church Alabama-Northwest Florida Region.