Advocates Praise Governor Abbott’s Call To Reform Child Protective Services

January 31, 2017 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today listed reforming Child Protective Services (CPS) as one of his emergency items in his State of the State address. CPS advocates were quick to offer praise for the Governor’s call to action:

“The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) strongly supports Governor Abbott’s decision to make CPS reform an emergency item this legislative session. Governor Abbott’s strong sense of urgency is welcome, and he has challenged the Legislature and all of us to do more to protect and enrich the lives of children and families. The foster care and adoption provider community is ready to respond and support the Legislature’s efforts. We are also firmly behind the First Lady's initiative to rally faith-based support across the state for foster and adoptive families caring for children.  The care of abused and neglected children is a community responsibility and we are honored to help support caregivers.”
Katie Olse, Executive Director, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services

“The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas is encouraged that Governor Abbott has elevated child welfare as a top priority for the 85th Texas Legislative Session. The 70 children’s advocacy centers that serve over 43,000 Texas children involved in investigations of abuse and violence each year are by his side in this fight for our most vulnerable citizens.”
Joy Rauls, Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas

“Texas CASA supports Governor Abbott’s leadership in reforming the child protection system, and we appreciate his recognition of the positive role CASA serves in the child welfare system.”
Vicki Spriggs, CEO, Texas CASA

“Fostering Hope Austin believes that our State is at a turning point for significant and needed change in our foster care system. Under Governor Abbott's leadership and with the community and grassroots collaborations that are happening throughout Texas, we eagerly anticipate a system that provides hope and healing for all foster children and families.”
Julie Kouri, Executive Director, Fostering Hope Austin