Child Welfare Boards
Many counties provide additional resources to help CPS meet the needs of children in state care. More than 200 counties have child welfare boards appointed by commissioner's courts. These boards provide significant support to enhance care and services for children in foster care and their families and help with child abuse prevention efforts.
Law Enforcement
CPS and law enforcement conduct joint investigations of reports alleging a child has been a victim of a crime and there's immediate risk of death or serious harm. CPS and law enforcement also work together in cases where children are exposed to selling and manufacturing drugs. Law enforcement notifies CPS if they plan to raid a home so CPS can prepare to protect the children. CPS contacts law enforcement if it finds evidence that may warrant criminal prosecution. CPS and law enforcement also work together on cases involving human trafficking.
Children's Advocacy Centers
Children’s advocacy centers (CACs) provide a safe place where law enforcement, CPS, and other professionals can interview children who are suspected victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, or who witnessed a violent crime. Many CACs also offer services such as counseling, medical exams, and classes for abuse victims and their families. CACs have also partnered with CPS to train caseworkers on child welfare topics.
Community Partners Programs
In FY 2015, 153 rainbow rooms served children in 130 Texas counties and thousands of caseworkers were adopted by local organizations. Through rainbow rooms, community partners have helped more than 80,400 children and youth with their emergency needs, back-to-school items, birthday celebrations, and holiday gifts.
- Rainbow Rooms help meet the critical needs of abused and neglected children. These resource rooms supply car seats, clothing, shoes, underwear, baby formula, school supplies, and safety and hygiene items to children entering foster or relative care as well as children receiving CPS services at home.
- The Adopt-a-Caseworker Program connects CPS caseworkers with individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations to help meet the needs of children involved with CPS. Groups have also furnished items such as birthday presents, prom dresses, household goods, and groceries.