Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s for MCH Mother-Child Care

1. What is the normal length of stay in the program?
   The average length of stay in the program is 2 years, but varies widely from individual to individual.
2. Is there a probationary period?
   There is a probationary period for the first sixty to ninety (90) days of placement. The end of the probationary period is determined by administration.
3. Do we stay in a dormitory and is there a cafeteria?
   Each family stays in their individual house or apartment. Each residence has its own kitchen. You may bring your own furniture or we will provide you with used furniture. You are expected to keep your residence neat and clean.
4. How quickly can I get started with an educational or vocational program?
   It will vary with individual circumstances. However, it will not begin until six months in the program.
5. How do I survive financially?
   Most families in the program qualify for Medicaid, TANF, Lone Star food program and WIC. Some families receive child support payments and have medical insurance other than Medicaid. All families currently receive a small stipend from MCH.
6. If I am receiving child support payments, must I turn them over to MCH?
   You keep your child support payments that you receive. Child support will in some cases reduce the amount of government benefits you qualify for.
7. What type of work will I be asked to do as part of the program?
   All mothers work either in our day care center, grocery store/warehouse, office, or hospitality center. We work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:30pm, except on Fridays when your work hours stop at noon. Day care is provided for children of these mothers during working hours free of charge.
8. What will I be responsible for paying each month?
   You will be responsible for ¼ of your monthly electric bill. An initial security deposit of $250.00 is required and may be deducted gradually over approximately ten months until paid. After initial setup with government benefit programs and initial doctor visits you will be charged mileage for medical and benefit program trips.
9. May I receive counseling within the program?
   Yes- weekly counseling programs on campus are provided with licensed professional counselors and also in some cases off campus meetings such as AA and NA are allowed.
10. Will I be allowed to work on my GED and /or Texas Drivers License?
    Yes- you may begin working towards accomplishing these goals after your probationary period is over.
11. May I receive personal mail at MCH?
    Yes
12. May I have a telephone?
    You may have a phone at your own expense.
13. Is there a dress code?
    Yes
14. What if I have a criminal record?
    A criminal history check is done on all staff and program participants. Felony convictions under Title 5, Title 6, or Chapter 43 of Title 9 of the Texas penal code or the Controlled Substance Act will not be considered for the program.
15. How old must I be to enter the program?
    Average age is 32.  You must be at least 18 years old.

FAQ’s for Group Care

1. How long does the program last/how long does my child have to stay there?
   The average time that it takes to modify a child’s behavior is 12-18 months. Generally, the older a child is the longer it takes to modify behavior.
2. What if a child becomes an adult (has 18th birthday) while at MCH?
   A child that is in the program successfully that turns 18 may remain in the program at the discretion of administration.
3. Do I give up guardianship?
   No. You give us “temporary guardianship” in order to place a child in school, get medical care, etc.
4. Where do the children attend school?
   The children are transported by bus to the public school in Medina. The school population is well under 400 students kindergarten through 12th grade.
5. Are there boys and girls on campus?
   Boys and girls do live on the same campus, but in separate homes.
6. How many live in each home?
   There may be up to ten children in each home, but usually there is six to eight.
7. How easy is it for the children to run away? Are they locked in their rooms?
   Children may and have run away. However, it is difficult because of the rural setting. Bedroom doors and windows have an alarm that is set after the children are in their rooms for the night.
8. Do they eat meals at a campus cafeteria?
   No. Each cottage operates as much like a normal home as possible. The house parent staff selects and cooks meals with the assistance of the children.
9. What is a typical day like?
   Children stay very busy during the school year. They usually will arise around 6:00am in order to do their chores (clean their rooms, help prepare and cleanup after meals, prepare for school, etc.) and be ready for the school bus to arrive around 7:30am. After school the children have a snack each day, change clothes and go to a one and one-half hour work program that finishes at 5:30pm. They help prepare the evening meal, clean and wash dishes. After dinner they do their homework and have a little free time before bedtime.
   A short devotional is held each day. The children attend church services on Wednesday evenings and Sundays.
10. What do they do during the summer when school is out?
    During the summer, children are allowed to have a two week vacation with family. Activities on campus include a “summer program” that consists of recreational time (including swimming) and some educational classes. The summer is a good time to work on academic problems through summer school or tutoring. The children are also required to do some light work for which they are paid an allowance.
11. May I give money to my child when placement occurs? May I send money to my child during the time the child is in residence?
    All monies given to a child placed at Medina Children's Home is to be turned in to the accounting department by the house parent so that it may be accounted for.
12. Is there an account set up for my child’s spending needs?
    An account is set up for each child to account for clothing, medical and other specified costs. MCH arranges with the parent or managing conservator, or other designated party to be financially responsible.
13. What happens if my circumstances change and I am unable to uphold my financial commitment to MCH?
    If the financially responsible party’s circumstances change and they become unable to uphold their financial commitment then, MCH Administration will review the circumstances and decide how to resolve the problem.
14. If a child’s social security money is transferred to MCH during the child’s stay, how is it transferred back to the child when the child is dismissed?
    The issuance of a child’s Social Security check is transferred to MCH during the child’s stay. MCH coordinates with responsible party if transfer to MCH does not occur timely. When the child is dismissed, MCH notifies Social Security Administration of the child’s dismissal date in order for SSA to transfer issuance of checks back to child.