HOPE RISING BUILDING EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT CENTER OUTSIDE OF BRENHAM
(courtesy Hope Rising)
A local anti-human sex trafficking organization is expanding its operations in Washington County.
Hope Rising has announced it is planning an Emergency Assessment and Stabilization Home in the county. The announcement was made at the organization’s annual Boots and Bells Gala Saturday at the Barnhill Center in Brenham.
The Emergency Assessment Center will house recently rescued sex trafficking victims, and treat them until they are stable and ready for long-term care.
Hope Rising Executive Director Sherri Clement said children rescued from sexually abusive or exploitative environments need individual medical and psychiatric care before they are placed with a foster family, and she believes this center will provide that.
Clement said the intent for the facility will be to have believed victims of trafficking come to the center for 30, 60, or 90 days, based on their needs and how long it takes to complete the necessary medical screenings, psychological evaluations, and other assessments. These assessments will help those responsible for the child better determine what home or facility is the best fit for the child.
Due to safety reasons, Clement could not reveal the exact location of the proposed facility. However, she did say Hope Rising is using a five-acre tract of land “in the outskirts of Brenham in a rural area”.
Clement said all services will be facilitated onsite. Children in Hope Rising’s care will be educated through an online charter school, with an on-site trauma informed teacher and tutors. The center will also provide 24-hour awake staff to ensure the safety and well-being of the children placed in Hope Rising’s care.
Clement said the project will begin construction in early spring, and is expected to complete in mid-2021. However, completion could come sooner, depending on how quickly funding comes in.
Hope Rising has been in operation in Washington County since 2014, and has operated as a licensed placement agency since 2017.
Clement said the Texas Governor’s Office has recognized the need for specialized care and trauma-informed intervention programs. She said Governor Greg Abbott and his team are very active and remain informed of all details regarding the operation of Hope Rising and the development of the assessment center. She said U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul has also been on several site visits.
Hope Rising Board Chairman Pastor Tim Webb said successful treatment of sexual abuse requires extensive therapy and trauma-informed care from highly trained and educated professionals. He said this assessment center, if handled correctly, could be “a state-of-the-art facility for sexual restoration and healing for minors”.
The organization is taking donations for the project, and needs about $1.2 million to complete it. To learn more, or to donate, visit www.hoperisingministries.org.