FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — A local organization has applied to repurpose a vacant property to a 24/7 emergency shelter for youth who have been removed from their guardians. The business owner’s application was approved by the Board of Zoning appeals Thursday.
Deanna Lockett, CEO and owner of Breaking Barriers Case Management, identified a need in the Fort Wayne community for a safe place for children while they might be going through some of the worst moments of their lives.
Breaking Barriers Management has been a source for social workers and CPS in the past, trying to place children who have nowhere else through the existing Respite program, which was designed to provide short-term relief to caregivers under the Child Mental Health Wraparound (CMHW). CMHW, covered under Indiana Medicaid, is a “comprehensive, family-driven approach” that aims to support families with youth with serious emotional disturbances…