Written by Amanda Coers – Two new members were approved by the Brown County Commissioners’ for addition to the Child Welfare Board of Brown County. Linda Burns, of Bangs, and Melissa Mullins, of Brownwood, were both approved during the commissioners’ court meeting on Tuesday, January 17th.

Burns has been a teacher for 39 years, and though retired, continues to work as a substitute teacher for the Bangs ISD. She volunteers at the First Baptist Church in Bangs. She stated that she loves helping children and wants to assist children by serving on the Brown County Child Welfare Board.

Mullins currently works as a store manager at Burkes Outlet in Brownwood, and has worked as a retail manager for several years. She has volunteered as a board member for Goodwill Industries and has served as Vice President for the East Elementary PTO in Brownwood where she has been instrumental in facilitating fundraisers.

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Both applicants needed to pass background checks before being approved to serve on the board.

The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards’ (TCCWB) was founded in 1978, to support a statewide network of volunteers concerned with the welfare of children, especially those suffering from abuse and neglect. Members advocate at the local, state and national level.

TCCWB and local child welfare boards work to educate their communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. Members work at a grassroots level to develop programs that meet a community’s needs.

Child welfare boards may:

• Independently or in collaboration with “rainbow room” groups work to meet the tangible needs of children receiving CPS services.
• Host holiday celebrations and other special events for caseworkers and foster children
• Provide support for family group decision making meetings, foster parent training, and foster youth conferences
• Sponsor public awareness events to promote child abuse prevention and recruit foster and adoptive homes
• Coordinate with courts and judges in pioneering solutions that support children and families and work to eliminate abuse and neglect.