STAR program reaches out to those in need

As families face difficulties in raising their children today, there is assistance for both parents and kids.

Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR) is designed to serve families and children up to age 17. Meetings, which are held to address family issues, are sponsored by Texana MHMR. Family meetings can provide a forum for enhancing family life and resolving the many issues that arise on a daily basis. They are also designed to create a learning environment where children can develop problem-solving skills, learn to cooperate and resolve conflict.

STAR program services also include individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling and 24-hour crisis intervention.

The purpose of STAR is to serve families and youth experiencing the following:

• Family conflict: A youth and his/ her family who are experiencing severe conflict in the home;

• Runaway: A youth who is absent from home without the consent of a parent; and

• Truant: A student who has unexcused voluntary absences from school.

STAR offices are located the Texana Center facilities in Wharton and Bay City.

"We service the El Campo community at the Boys & Girls Club," Charles Perry said. Perry is the universal child abuse prevention specialist with the S.T.A.R. program.

Meetings are held in Wharton at 3007 North Richmond Road, and in Bay City at 400 Ave. F.

"STAR services are open to the entire community," Perry added.

The program is funded by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. For more information, call 979-532-3098. The 24-hour hotline is 1-800-633-5686.