"Elder abuse and neglect thrives when people are isolated. We need to reach out and let our neighbors, families, and friends know that they are not forgotten."
#WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay
- APS Commissioner Kez Wold
Learn the signs & how to help:
If you are a young adult in extended foster care or who has aged out, pandemic-related funds are available to help you with educational and transitional living costs and personal expenses.
Learn more here:
Close to 1,200 attendees across multiple disciplines gathered to attend the Light the Way to End Human Trafficking Summit this month!
DFPS is committed to facilitating training and educational opportunities like this conference to help
#EndHumanTrafficking
.
Texas Adult Protective Services is partnering with community organizations to help make a senior’s Christmas wish come true with the Be a Santa to a Senior campaign!
#tistheseason
#HappyHolidays
Visit to find a physical or virtual tree near you!
Keep your family safe and continue to practice proper social distancing! For your fellow Texans
#MaskUpTexas
!
#COVID19
-Do not go to crowded places
-Stay 6ft apart from others
-Wear a mask or face covering
-Stay home if you’re feeling sick
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Show your support and by wearing BLUE on April 3rd to spread awareness of child abuse prevention!
#GoBlueDay
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
For more resources and info about the month visit:
Do you know someone who wants to get vaccinated but doesn’t have internet access? Please let them know they can call (833) 832-7067 for referral to a local vaccine provider.
#HealthyTexas
#COVID19TX
Learn more here:
Take care of your
#mentalhealth
by talking to someone. Try calling the Statewide
#COVID19
Mental Health Support Line.
Call toll-free at 833-986-1919
Text COVID to 832-479-2135.
Learn more here:
Fentanyl, 50 times stronger than heroin, may be mixed with other substances and counterfeit pills. Even in small doses, fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose. Learn about the dangers and how to protect your family today:
Even small amounts of Fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose. Talk to your child about the risks of taking counterfeit pills. Store medication at home securely and dispose of unused meds immediately. Learn more here:
#OnePillKills
Worried about protecting your family from Fentanyl poisoning? Talk to your loved ones about the risks of taking counterfeit pills. Learn more here:
#OnePillKills
DFPS has rolled out financial support to foster youth and young adults during the
#COVD19
pandemic.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here:
As we come to the end of
#NationalAdoptionMonth
it is important to remember that older children never outgrow the need for a
#ForeverFamily
!
Consider adopting, fostering, or mentoring an older child who needs a family.
Find an info meeting here:
We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers! In FY 2021 volunteers across Texas contributed over 50k hours to help kids, families, older Texans, and those with disabilities.
Their impact makes us
#ProudtoProtect
! Learn how you can get involved:
ICYMI: One of the state’s first babies left at a fire station under the Baby Moses Law graduated from high school!
If you have a newborn that you’re unable to care for, you can bring them to a designated safe place. No questions asked!
Full story here:
DFPS has resource rooms around the state that help Adult Protective Services caseworkers provide goods to assist older and disabled clients.
#ElderAbuseAwarenessMonth
Learn more about how you can help a silver star room near you:
Never leave a child in a hot vehicle. Create reminders to take your child out of your vehicle by putting your purse or phone in the back seat with your child or putting baby’s diaper bag or teddy bear in the front seat. And make it a habit to
#LookBeforeYouLock
DFPS is hosting a lunch & learn webinar series for
#HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth
! Webinars will take place at noon on every Friday of the month.
Week 1
Friday January 7, 2022
Topic: Sex Trafficking of Men and Boys
Learn more & register here:
When a child needed to be transported from Dallas to a home in Houston over a holiday weekend, Alternative Response Workers Hillary Hawthorne & Neneh Conteh gave up their vacation time & drove 7hrs round trip to get the child there safely. They make us
#ProudToProtect
!
Be a Santa to a senior this holiday season and help older adults in your community feel special!
Since 2003 this program has brightened the season for 750,000 older adults nationwide.
Visit this link to participate:
Older children never outgrow the need for a
#ForeverFamily
!
Consider adopting, fostering, or mentoring an older child who needs a family.
Find an info meeting here:
Do you know someone who wants to get vaccinated but doesn’t have internet access? Please let them know they can call (833) 832-7067 for referral to a local vaccine provider.
#HealthyTexas
#COVID19TX
Learn more here:
The Texas heat can be harmful or even fatal to a small child, especially if left alone in a car. This tragic accident is preventable, remember to
#LookBeforeYouLock
Do you have damages incurred by the winter storm? Fill out this survey by
@TDEM
to help them identify needs in your county :
If your county is disaster-declared you can apply for assistance at :
April is
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
, and we need your help empowering communities with resources that support Texas families!
Check out this toolkit to access resources and help spread the word :
During this time it's important for everyone to stay home as much as possible, for your safety and for our medical professionals who are working on the front lines.
Together we can all
#stopthespread
of
#covid19
!
#stayhometexas
��️ As the school drop-offs and pick-ups start, it's crucial to remember to NEVER leave your child alone in the car. Even just a few minutes in a hot car can be dangerous. 🚗👶
#CarSafety
#ChildSafety
" I go blue because prevention helps families find the community and social supports they need to help raise happy and healthy children.”
- Sasha Rasco , Associate Commissioner for Prevention & Early Intervention
#WhyIGoBlue
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
Our deepest thanks to Rep
@DadePhelan
and his wife Kim for organizing a donation drive for the Beaumont Rainbow Room after it was damaged in
#Imelda
. The supplies and gift cards will go to help local foster parents and families involved with DFPS.
Leaving the windows down or the air conditioning on is NOT enough to keep a child’s body at a safe temperature for long.
#LookBeforeYouLock
and call 911 right away if you see a child alone in a car.
#DFPS
"I invite Texans of all faiths to join us in prayer and action so that we can put an end to human trafficking."
-
@TexasFLCA
This virtual interfaith event begins on Jan. 10th! Join to learn more about how to prevent trafficking & support survivors.
There are over 900
#COVD19
testing sites across Texas! If you're feeling sick, call your doctor to see if you should get tested.
Find a site in your area by using this interactive map:
If you're feeling stressed during this time there are resources to help you!
This 24/7 statewide mental health support line can help Texans with anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the
#covid19
pandemic.
PRESS RELEASE - New figures show more children are leaving
#fostercare
for permanent homes than are entering the child welfare system, as
#adoptions
surged past 6,000 for the first time.
Simone Biles: I went from foster care to the Olympics...My road to success began the day my grandfather and his wife officially adopted my sister and me...Our circumstances shouldn't define us or keep us from our goals...
@CNN
#DFPS
Raising kids is stressful and can be a full-time job! It's not always easy, but it's possible when you have the tools and support needed.
Get Parenting Tips has info to help create harmony at home. Learn more here:
Don't forget to
#MaskUpTexas
and follow these steps to help slow the spread of
#covid19
!
- Wash your hands
- Avoid large groups & crowds
- Stay home if you're sick
- Stay 6 ft. apart from others in public
Learn more about
#covid19
testing sites near you by visiting this info page provided by
@TexasDSHS
!
Visit the link to learn about how and where to get tested:
DFPS Investigator D’Arcy Cano braved treacherous roads and freezing temperatures to make his child safety visits this week.
We are grateful for D'Arcy and all our staff in the field who are serving their communities during this difficult time. You make us
#ProudtoProtect
!
Rainbow Rooms are often the first stop for caseworkers after a child newly enters
#fostercare
, ensuring they have things like clean clothes. A big shout out to
@PFCatx
, celebrating 19 years, for supporting kids in CPS care in
#CentralTexas
.
#TeamDFPS
The Texas Youth Helpline provides free and confidential services to youth and families in crisis! We are here to help!
Call: 1-800-989-6884
Text: 512-872-5777
Chat:
Every child deserves a loving family. May is National Foster Care Month. ❤ If you're interested in learning more about how to provide a safe and stable home to a deserving child, 👉. 🏡✨
#FosterCareMonth
It is still important for Texans to practice social distancing!
Keep your family safe if you go out and be sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and disinfect regularly.
#covid19
Every one should continue to stay home to help stop the spread of
#covid19
!
If you can’t
#StayHome
, wear a mask/scarf/bandana, stay 6 feet apart, and wash your hands.
Thousands of children in Central Texas are starting the school year off right thanks to Partnerships for Children! With its support, volunteers were able to distribute much-needed school supplies to kids who need them. 📹 💫📚
#BacktoSchool
#TeamDFPS
May 25 is
#NationalMissingChildrensDay
. DFPS stands with local, state, and federal organizations urgently working to recover every missing child. Do your part and talk with your child about staying safe.
#MissingChildrenMatter
“Children belong to families, but are supported by communities. Each community should take ownership of its children. There is room for all of us to wrap around children and families in need.
- Deputy Commissioner Trevor Woodruff
#WhyIGoBlue
#GoBlueDay
#CAPM
Don't forget to
#MaskUpTexas
and follow these steps to help slow the spread of
#covid19
!
- Wash your hands
- Avoid large groups & crowds
- Stay home if you're sick
- Stay 6 ft. apart from others in public
Try the Buddy System, we all know someone who is elderly. Check on your neighbors, family, and friends regularly. Ensure that they are safe and well. Be a buddy to a senior, it could save their life!
#covid19
Get more info on how you can help here:
Having trouble at home? Call the Texas Youth Helpline!
Trained volunteers are ready to help 24/7. They will listen to your problem, help you consider your choices, and develop a sensible solution.
Call: 1-800-989-6884
Text: 512-872-5777
We need your help! 📣 Meet 6-year-old Alejandra – she was dropped off at a
#Dallas
hospital emergency room on Sunday. We desperately need your help to find her family. Please share and contact Maria Villegas at 214-901-4649 if you have any info. 🤠
CPS worker Maria Conklin has been with DFPS for less than a year but that didn't keep her from braving the winter storm to visit children. During peak storm days she spent hours on frozen roads to make child safety visits and assisted other units in her region.
#ProudToProtect
Be sure to continue to help stop the spread of
#covid19
by social distancing!
If you're experiencing symptoms call your doctor and find a testing site near you:
Drowning is silent and can happen in an instant!
If you and the family are planning to enjoy water activities while you stay home be sure to practice proper
#watersafety
and always
#watchkidsaroundwater
!
For safety tips watch this video:
Stay safe in the heat 🔥! Limit outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen. Work outdoors early or very late in the day.
#HeatSafety
#KeepYourCool
💨 🌡️
Today is
#WearBlueDay
! Support victims and survivors of human trafficking by giving them a voice and raising awareness.
#HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth
Learn how to identify and help victims here:
All Texans must to do their part to help
#SlowTheSpread
of
#COVID19
!
#MaskUpTexas
Follow these steps to protect yourself and others:
-Stay home as much as possible
-Wear a mask
-Stay 6 ft apart from others
-Sanitize your hands
Learn more here:
In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse DFPS staff across Texas wore blue! Big thanks to everyone who participated. Let's continue to work together to end child abuse.
#WearBlueDay
#GreatChildhoods
#CAPM
Luci Williams, mother of three, started her adoption journey through becoming a foster parent first. Fostering a child is a great way to find out if adoption is meant for you!
Learn more fostering a child here here:
"I believe it is our obligation ethically and morally to do everything we can to make sure that children are growing up to their fullest potential." - Geoffrey Canada
#pipcon2018
This weekend faith communities across TX are standing for children in foster care on
#StandSundayTX
. Churches will read aloud the names of children in foster care and pray for each one. Watch this video to learn more:
Are you a parent or teen? Feeling anxious about whats going on right now in Texas?
#COVID19
Call the Texas Youth Helpline to speak with someone who will listen:
Call: 1-800-989-6884
Text: 512-872-5777
This year
#GoBlueDay
is on April 9th !
Show your support during
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
by wearing blue all day. Encourage your friends, family, and community to participate and help spread awareness.
Learn more here: !!
Staff & honored guests gathered today at the DFPS state office to celebrate Commissioner Whitman's retirement & 3 yrs of service!
Thank you Commissioner, for your hard work & dedication to serving the great state of Texas. Your example & leadership makes us all proud to protect!
If you're celebrating
#Thanksgiving
with others outside your household be sure to do it safely!
- Gather outside
- Limit the number of guests
- Clean/Disinfect
-Have everyone bring their own food & drink
- Wear Masks
Follow these tips by
@CDCgov
:
May is
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
!
According to the
@nami
, 17% of youth between the ages of 6-17 experience a mental health disorder.
If you or someone you love needs help, call the Texas Youth Helpline now.
1-800-989-6884
Text 512-872-5777
"I go blue because it’s best to reach families before they ever become involved with CPI or CPS. Healthy, functional families are our state’s greatest asset and we need to match those families with the resources they need.”
- Commissioner Masters
#WhyIGoBlue
#GoBlueDay
#CAPM
If you're celebrating
#Thanksgiving
with others outside your household be sure to do it safely!
- Gather outside
- Limit the number of guests
- Clean/Disinfect
-Have everyone bring their own food & drink
- Wear Masks
Follow these tips by
@CDCgov
:
Help us find this young man's family! Cordarius, a non-verbal teen, was found wandering alone in an alley in
#MidlandTX
in January. We need YOUR help: please take a moment to look closely at his picture. If you have any info, please contact 432-248-5963.
#BringCordariusHome
💛
Do you know someone who is eligible for the
#COVID19vaccine
but they do not have internet access? They can call 2-1-1 for referral to a local vaccine provider.
Please help spread the word especially to older adults who may need assistance.
Texans, please remember that it is still important to practice social distancing!
Keep your family safe if you go out and be sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and disinfect regularly.
#covid19
We want to extend our warmest Texas welcome to our new Commissioner, Jaime Masters!
Her career & dedication to working with children, families, & vulnerable populations will ensure that we continue to succeed in our important mission.
More info here:
@TexasHHSC
has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the
#COVID19
pandemic.
Get more info here:
#Halloween
is a dangerous day for child pedestrians, make sure to have a fun and safe time when you're out
#TrickOrTreating
by talking to your kids and following these simple tips!
#halloweensafety
The fatigue caused by the pandemic can be hard on you and your family. Take care of your
#mentalhealth
by talking to someone.
Try calling the Statewide
#COVID19
Mental Health Support Line.
Call toll-free at 833-986-1919.
Learn more here: