Our Purpose

Family Outcome-Centered Unification Services (FOCUS) is a family preservation program that helps families to function better so that children can remain safe in their homes and avoid unnecessary separation from their parents. CSCA believes there is power when one feels encouraged and supported during difficult times.

Who We Serve

Our FOCUS program serves families with children at risk of removal from their home because of abuse and/or neglect.

We provide family preservation services (FOCUS) to families who reside in Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Marengo, Perry and Wilcox Counties.

All referrals to FOCUS come from the Department of Human Resources of the counties where the referred family resides.

Services Offered

The intensive, short-term crisis intervention, community-based services of FOCUS is based on the individual needs of each family. Our Family Specialists carry small caseloads in order to meet regularly and often with each family. Services may include the following:

• Building parenting skills (teaching age-appropriate disciplinary practices, conflict resolution and techniques of communication)
• Supportive counseling and crisis intervention
• Housekeeping and budgeting (money management0
• Nutritional guidance
• Assistance in meeting basic needs (food, clothing, furniture)
• Assistance in locating safe, affordable housing
• Assistance in locating transportation
• Emergency financial assistance available through community partners
• Linking families with community resources
• Court involvement
• Educational support

Program Profile

Since the inception of family preservation services (1996), Christian Services for Children in Alabama has served over 700 families and more than 1700 children. Currently our family preservation program has achieved a 90% success rate of helping children remain safely with their families.

Our services was found on the belief that all children have the right to be served in their own communities.

Alabama State Department of Human Resources provides 85% of the funding for contracted services, with the remaining expenses met by Disciples Benevolent Services (Health and Social Unit of the Christian Church), private individuals, churches and community businesses.

CHRISTIAN SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN ALABAMA (CSCA) has been providing services to area children, youth and families since 1991. CSCA was founded on the belief that all children have the right to be served in their own communities.
CSCA is centrally located in Selma, and provides services to families in Dallas, Autauga, Chilton, Marengo, Perry and Wilcox counties.
CSCA believes there is power when one feels encouraged and supported during difficult times.

Just What is "Family Preservation?"

• The term, Family Preservation, has a very specific meaning with an expectance of hope that your child will remain safely in your home. If your child has been temporarily removed, the expectance is for your child to be returned without an unnecessary long delay.
•  The time period of the intervention is typically short ranging four to twelve weeks. Depending on the needs of your family, intervention may be intense. This means frequent visits in your home.
• The Family Preservation Specialist spends time in your home. This allows the specialist to see you and your family in action. While your family is experiencing difficulty, you don't have the added stress of making arrangements to go to the specialist's office. 
• The Family Preservation Specialists are trained to begin with the concerns as expressed by you.
• The Family Preservation Specialists have educational background in several different approaches to help you sort out what is the best outcome for your family.
• The Family Preservation Specialists help families to find available community resources, i.e., day care, job training, special education services, housing, transportation and occasional financial assistance for emergency utilities.
• The Family Preservation Specialists teach practical skills including budget planning, conflict resolution, negotiation, compromise, problem solving, assertive discipline, communication skills and advocacy skills.

"Because Emergencies Don't Wait."

ALL REFERRALS for Family Preservation Services, known as Family Outcome-Centered Unification Services (FOCUS), are made by the County Department of Human Resources. Services are based on the following principles:

• At least one child in the family must be at risk of placement away from the home.
• At least one parent or legal guardian must be willing to participate.
• Referral response is as soon as possible within 24 hours.
• Acceptance is on first come, first served basis.
• Flexible services include evenings and weekends (as needed).
• Specialists are on call 24 hours a day.