Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-12-19

HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

HealthcareEnvironmentEducationHousingInfrastructureLGBTQ+

Context

On 2025-12-19, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered the environment, education.

Full Text

HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1240-E1241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Friday, December 19, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor TLC Child and Family Services as it celebrates 50 years of service to vulnerable youth and families in our Sonoma County. Since its founding in 1975, TLC has transformed the lives of more than ten thousand young people by providing safe environments, educational support, and opportunities for growth. TLC began as a single group home and has grown into a comprehensive organization offering foster care and adoption services, behavioral health programs, special education, [[Page E1241]] residential treatment, and housing support for transition-age youth. Guided by its mission to create healthy, healing environments where differences are valued, TLC has remained a steady resource for families through decades of changing policies and economic challenges. TLC's Foster Family and Adoption programs, operated in partnership with Sonoma County Family Youth and Children's Services, provide critical supports that help youth achieve stable homes. In the past year, 82 percent of foster youth were reunified with family members or adopted, while the remaining youth received housing, therapeutic services, education, and life-skills support. TLC continues to recruit and sustain foster families at a time when agencies across California face rising costs and closures. TLC also delivers trauma-informed Behavioral Health Services through a growing team of clinicians serving families across our county. Services include school-based partnerships as well as individual, group, and family therapy. Journey Academy, TLC's Residential Treatment Center with an on-site non-public school, serves students whose mental health or behavioral needs make traditional classrooms difficult. In the past year, 91 percent of students improved their attendance and 86 percent completed more academic credits than before entering the program. TLC's Transition Age Youth Housing Programs support young people ages sixteen to twenty-five who are experiencing homelessness or instability. Participants receive immediate access to meals, clothing, showers, and case management while staff work to secure long-term housing. 97 percent of participants reported satisfaction with the program last year, and 95 percent felt supported in employment and financial literacy. TLC has expanded services for young parents, offering parenting classes, supplies, and resource navigation. In addition to its core programs, TLC leads innovative community initiatives. The Farm to Table Program introduces youth to gardening, culinary arts, and hospitality careers. Project Flare uplifts LGBTQ+ youth by sharing their stories and building community connection. TLC also stewards the Sonoma County Children's Village Legacy Fund, a 2.5- million-dollar endowment that provides orthodontic and dental care for foster youth up to age 24. To date, 178 youths have received more than 648,000 dollars in services. TLC Child and Family Services has earned significant recognition for its leadership. The organization holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and GuideStar, placing it among the top nonprofits nationwide. It has received the Human Rights Campaign's highest honors for inclusive care for LGBTQ+ youth and has been named one of the North Bay Business Journal's Best Places to Work for three consecutive years. The Joint Commission recently awarded TLC exceptionally high marks following a comprehensive review. Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, TLC Child and Family Services has provided compassionate, effective support to the youth and families of our Sonoma County. Their commitment to healing, education, and community well-being has strengthened our region for generations. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today on this milestone anniversary.

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HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 215 (Friday, December 19, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1240-E1241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TLC CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Friday, December 19, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor TLC Child and Family Services as it celebrates 50 years of service to vulnerable youth and families in our Sonoma County. Since its founding in 1975, TLC has transformed the lives of more than ten thousand young people by providing safe environments, educational support, and opportunities for growth. TLC began as a single group home and has grown into a comprehensive organization offering foster care and adoption services, behavioral health programs, special education, [[Page E1241]] residential treatment, and housing support for transition-age youth. Guided by its mission to create healthy, healing environments where differences are valued, TLC has remained a steady resource for families through decades of changing policies and economic challenges. TLC's Foster Family and Adoption programs, operated in partnership with Sonoma County Family Youth and Children's Services, provide critical supports that help youth achieve stable homes. In the past year, 82 percent of foster youth were reunified with family members or adopted, while the remaining youth received housing, therapeutic services, education, and life-skills support. TLC continues to recruit and sustain foster families at a time when agencies across California face rising costs and closures. TLC also delivers trauma-informed Behavioral Health Services through a growing team of clinicians serving families across our county. Services include school-based partnerships as well as individual, group, and family therapy. Journey Academy, TLC's Residential Treatment Center with an on-site non-public school, serves students whose mental health or behavioral needs make traditional classrooms difficult. In the past year, 91 percent of students improved their attendance and 86 percent completed more academic credits than before entering the program. TLC's Transition Age Youth Housing Programs support young people ages sixteen to twenty-five who are experiencing homelessness or instability. Participants receive immediate access to meals, clothing, showers, and case management while staff work to secure long-term housing. 97 percent of participants reported satisfaction with the program last year, and 95 percent felt supported in employment and financial literacy. TLC has expanded services for young parents, offering parenting classes, supplies, and resource navigation. In addition to its core programs, TLC leads innovative community initiatives. The Farm to Table Program introduces youth to gardening, culinary arts, and hospitality careers. Project Flare uplifts LGBTQ+ youth by sharing their stories and building community connection. TLC also stewards the Sonoma County Children's Village Legacy Fund, a 2.5- million-dollar endowment that provides orthodontic and dental care for foster youth up to age 24. To date, 178 youths have received more than 648,000 dollars in services. TLC Child and Family Services has earned significant recognition for its leadership. The organization holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and GuideStar, placing it among the top nonprofits nationwide. It has received the Human Rights Campaign's highest honors for inclusive care for LGBTQ+ youth and has been named one of the North Bay Business Journal's Best Places to Work for three consecutive years. The Joint Commission recently awarded TLC exceptionally high marks following a comprehensive review. Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, TLC Child and Family Services has provided compassionate, effective support to the youth and families of our Sonoma County. Their commitment to healing, education, and community well-being has strengthened our region for generations. It is fitting and proper that we honor them here today on this milestone anniversary.