TribTalk | Perspectives on Texas

A publication of The Texas Tribune
Author Profile

Christine Gendron

Executive director, Texas Network of Youth Services

@cegendron

Christine Gendron is the executive director of Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), a membership organization whose mission is to strengthen, support, and protect services for Texas youth and families.

Latest Columns

Economy

It’s time to address the “invisible” problem of youth homelessness

By Deborah Fowler and Christine Gendron,

Youth homelessness is a serious problem in Texas, affecting urban and rural communities alike. The state’s failure to prevent it, or aid those experiencing homelessness, often leads to unnecessary and costly consequences, including academic failure and dropout, criminal or juvenile justice system involvement, foster care involvement and physical and mental health challenges.

Health

To help address foster care tragedies, better understand and listen to youth

By Christine Gendron,

Working collaboratively with youth and valuing their perspectives is a key part of the solution to the state's foster care problem. Young people are telling us something when they run from care, and it is time to start listening. They often know what works best for them and research suggests that allowing youth to participate in decisions about their lives may help them heal.