Informational Interview Lynn Owens, LMHC

Education History  Lynn graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute.  He also attended University of Wisconsin.  He received his Masters Degree from Regent University.  He is a National Certified Counselor.

Employment History  At 22, Lynn worked at Rawhide Boys Ranch, a residential treatment facility, for 5 years.  He worked with young men, ages 14-17, who had been convicted of murder, rape or drug related violations.  Lynn worked in long term foster homes, counseling youth. This is where he met his future adopted children.

Current Employment  Lynn currently works at South Hills Church as the Family Pastor.  He has helped establish a joint counseling program involving the Safe Families Program and Olive Crest located at South Hills Church.

Safe Families Program  “Safe families for Children provides a loving sanctuary where parents can safely and voluntarily place their children in times of need. Founded in 2002 by LYDIA Home Association, a Chicago based Christian social service agency, Safe Families for Children has partnered with the local church to grow to a network of over 11,000 volunteers which includes 2100 volunteer host families. This network of volunteers has been able to provide as many as 8600 hosting arrangements since the start of the program.”

Safe Families for Children strives to meet three objectives:  Child Welfare Deflection: Safe Families provides a safe alternative to child welfare custody, thus significantly reducing the number of children entering the child welfare system.  Child Abuse Prevention: Providing an overwhelmed and resource limited parent with a safe, temporary place for their child without threat of losing custody. By offering support, the goal is to avert potential abuse/neglect episodes.  Family Support and Stabilization: Many parents struggle because of limited social support and unavailable extended family. Many Safe Families Volunteers become the extended family that a parent never had.

Olive Crest: Strong Families, Safe Kids  “Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at- risk children and to preserving the family… “One Life at a Time.”®”

Olive Crest  “Works tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children.”

Job and typical day  Lynn will perform intake interviews with families and evaluate their needs.  Each day is different because he also has pastoral duties at South Hills Church.

 Lynn enjoys working with families. He becomes inspired by individuals who strive for success in their lives.  Lynn finds his job difficult when he can’t help everyone who needs it.  If he could change one thing about his job, it would be to have the ability to assist every family in achieving their goals.

 Lynn Owens, interview by Lavina Ward, April 8, 2013.

Causes of abuse, neglect, and violence  Lynn strongly believes that abuse, neglect and violence are cyclical.  Removing children from a violent home can give the child a chance to change that cycle.  Assisting parents who are survivors of abuse can give them direction that can end the cycle.

Elements of intervention  “Mandatory reporting is the best thing that could have happened in regards to protecting children and their families.”  Parenting classes that are court ordered.  Self-care for the parents. “I can understand how parents can become abusive due to the level of stress within the home.”

Elements of prevention  Utilizing parenting classes, such Ready for Kindergarten.  Utilizing head start classes.  Counseling for families with violent histories.  Respite care is important with delicate situations.