CK Family Services is proud to partner with Texas Family First (TFF), a groundbreaking, transformative program offered by Our Community Our Kids (OCOK). This program is designed to support and equip families who are at risk of having their children removed by CPS, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the family unit and allowing children to remain in their homes. This is under the CK Behavioral Health (CKBH) umbrella of services, supporting families using evidence-based methods in situations such as substance abuse, homelessness, generational trauma, lack of parenting skills, or domestic violence. By collaborating with community partners and emphasizing family unity, TFF provides stability to families who might otherwise experience separation, offering an additional option for CPS in cases of investigations where the child can be kept safely at home with oversight and parents attending court ordered services until completion of the program.
How It Works
Currently a pilot program, TFF has grown dramatically over the past two years. Contracted through OCOK, CK Family Services is one of the few and largest TFF providers, with the capacity to serve up to 60 families in Tarrant, Somervell, Palo Pinto, Erath, and Johnson counties. TFF’s family-focused approach means support is provided to the entire family rather than just one child. After CPS identifies a potential family, a county judge recommends the services, and that is when our TFF team steps in. CKBH provides Wrap Around services, including monthly monitoring and Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM), which bring together all involved parties to address parenting challenges and support family progress.
Led by Lynn Palmares, CK’s Program Manager for Special Projects, our TFF team includes eight Wrap Around Care Coordinators and two Team Leads, who manage small caseloads for intensive support. Many of their families are facing multiple challenges, such as mental health issues combined with substance abuse, requiring consistent, personalized support. Behavioral Health Director Farah Bakshi provides guidance on mental health, and the team regularly gathers feedback to ensure families feel secure and empowered.
Building Partnerships and Changing Perspectives
Lynn reflects on the growth of the TFF program: “We’ve seen a shift in how our partners view the families, seeing them as part of the team. Thanks to our strength-based curriculum and the guidance of COO Diane Partin, our team has developed a collaborative, positive approach. We play on each person’s strengths to ensure the success of the family. We celebrate the wins.”
TFF’s success is seen in the supportive relationships built with family lawyers and judges. Lynn adds, “Our goal is to empower families and show them that success is possible.” Through TFF, each family also receives $1,500 for essential needs, helping create a safe, stable environment for children.
Building a Brighter Future
The Texas Family First program is a groundbreaking initiative focused on family stability. CK Family Services is honored to be part of this effort to keep families together whenever possible, creating lasting positive change. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one family at a time.
To learn more, visit TEXAS FAMILY FIRST
Written by Tina Clark, Community Engagement Liaison
Professionally Reviewed by Lynn Palmares, Manager of Special Projects and Resource Development