More Accomplishments
Faith-Based Efforts
CPS collaborates with faith-based organizations and community partners statewide to serve children and families who are involved or at risk of becoming involved with the CPS system. CPS provides local churches with data on the needs of children, youth, and families in their area so these congregations can determine the type of ministry they want to develop. Churches may get involved in a number of ways, ranging from prevention to permanency.
One opportunity for faith communities to support children and families is through the Care Portal, a web-based tool that allows CPS staff to connect with the faith community. CPS staff use the portal to request church support for the needs of children and families. The portal began on August 1, 2014, in Bell, Williamson, and Travis Counties. It has since expanded to 19 counties in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11.
At the end of FY 2016, more than 400 faith-based organizations had signed on to participate in the Care Portal. One hundred and fifty one (151) faith-based organizations were active participants and 259 faith originations were working with CPS while waiting for the Care Portal to activate in their local area.