Because of her professional background in the child-protective services field, Sarah Bray has seen first-hand the damage to children who live with an adult who abuses drugs and/or alcohol.
This background has led to Bray filling the new position of child safety and recovery specialist at the Family Crisis Center (FCC), where she will lead the new Drug-Endangered Children (DEC) project.
Bray’s commitment to drug-endangered children doesn’t stop at her job. She also adopted an 8-year-old girl who came from a traumatic, drug-endangered environment.
“I see the effects of my daughter’s background every day because of the trauma she faced throughout her young life,” Bray said. “Reversing that trauma is impossible, but for my daughter and others like her, education and social/emotional support can ease the burden.
“These children are at significantly higher risk for abuse, neglect, domestic-violence exposure, unsafe living conditions, developmental delays, mental-health concerns, and future substance misuse or criminal activity,” Bray added.
Research indicates that one in four Kansas children lives with a parent who has substance-use disorder, leading to chronic trauma. Others are exposed to substances even before they are born.
“Rural Kansas communities face a number of barriers that make these challenges even worse,” Bray noted. “Some have limited access to treatment, transportation, mental-health services and prevention programs. These barriers leave them without the resources necessary to achieve stability and recovery.
“We are invested in finding a permanent fix for these concerns rather than applying a band-aid, while preventing children from being separated from their families.”
Background
Prior to Bray’s arrival at the FCC, cases involving DEC were managed by existing staff, while they also performed their primary responsibilities.
“This limited the agency’s ability to provide services that focus on prevention, intervention, education and long-term follow-ups,” Bray said. “Funding was needed to establish this DEC project to coordinate responses, improve early identification of at-risk children and connect families to critical support services.”
The funding became available recently through a $56,200 grant from the Kansas Governor’s Grant Program.
This grant enhances collaboration among law enforcement, child-welfare agencies, schools, medical and treatment providers, prosecutors and community partners.
“All of us appreciate our new funding because this program will help break the generational cycles of trauma and substance misuse,” Bray commented. “Our goal is to improve child safety and strengthen family stability, while creating healthier long-term outcomes for vulnerable children and families in central Kansas.
“It is important to note that addiction doesn’t mean you are a bad parent,” she emphasized. “It just means you need help and the help is available.”
More information
Bray’s previous employment includes child protective specialist at the Great Bend office of the Department for Children and Families; social/emotional group leader at Lincoln Elementary School; and intake worker at Juvenile Services.
She is currently working on her bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University and plans to earn her master’s. Goals are to become a licensed social worker and to earn credentials to treat clients for substance misuse.
Kylee Graves, FCC executive director, said “having worked with Sarah in many different capacities over the past 10 years, I have seen first-hand her tremendous compassion and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families facing challenges. She has a genuine passion for helping others and the drive to turn that passion into action.
“This position is an excellent fit for her strengths and commitment, and I have no doubt she will make a lasting impact on hundreds of children in the coming years. I am excited to support and empower her as she brings her vision to life and makes a difference in our community.”
The FCC, 1924 Broadway, serves Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties. For more information, call 620-793-9941; the 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.