Montague County has been plagued with a meth problem and it's forcing hundreds of children into state custody.
In fact, the number of children the Montague County Child Welfare Board serves has more than doubled the past few years. Just last month they were working with 130 children who were in CPS custody.
Clint Brown is on the Child Welfare Board and said the reason more kids are in the system is because the sheriff's department is cracking down on meth. That means more parents are being aggressively investigated and prosecuted.
To help these children feel more comfortable when being questioned by authorities, meeting foster parents or attending counseling sessions, the Child Welfare Board and Patsy's House have created a Child Advocacy Center.
"The place is just a key role in that because within moments of coming to patsy's house children have to tell the most horrible degrading things that have ever happened to them in their lives to a complete stranger and place is just key to that kid feeling comfortable and safe," executive director of Patsy's House Keri Goins said.
Patsy's House has a forensic interviewer on staff at the advocacy center who is trained in child development and interviewing skills.
"We're not only meeting their physical needs, health , education, social but, we're also meeting psychological needs to lead a productive life as adults," Clint Brown said.
There are some exterior improvements that need to be made but, the fact that it is up and running will make a huge difference to all the families who cannot afford to travel to Wichita Falls for services.
"we can't change what's happened to children, we can change what happens next. So, I think they feel when they come here what happens next is going to be better," Goins said.
The home is being leased for one year with an option to buy and is being paid for completely with donations.
If you would like to contribute to the Montague County Child Advocacy Center call Patsy's House at (940) 322-8890.
Lindsey Rogers, Newschannel 6
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