By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
Reporter@sbnewspaper.com
The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has a mission “to match Texas children in foster care with their forever family.”
According to an official statement released by DFPS earlier this month, there are presently 6,147 Texas children seeking a permanent dwelling. Of those, 376 reportedly reside in South Texas.
In an effort to place these children into loving homes, the department has begun hosting “no obligation, informational meetings,” said DFPS Region 11 Media Specialist John Lennen. He added that these meetings are a chance for prospective parents “to learn more about becoming a foster parent or about the adoption process in Texas.”
Basic requirements for potential foster/adoptive parents include but are not limited to the following: Individual(s) may be single or married; must be mature adults who are at least 21 years of age; must be financially stable; must complete an application; must disclose information regarding their background and lifestyle; must provide references – related and non-; must agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members; must submit to a criminal background check; must attend free training sessions to learn about issues of abused and neglected children.
DFPS specifies that an adoptive parent is responsible for each child’s “emotional, mental, physical, social, educational and cultural needs.” Each foster or adoptive parent must also obtain CPR and First Aid certifications and attend 20 hours or more of training each year.
Additional considerations for prospective foster/adoptive parents include having a residence with adequate sleeping space for all concerned parties. The residence may function as home to no more than six total children, and potential parents must agree to a policy of nonphysical discipline. Various home inspections are mandatory, and all pets within the household must be vaccinated.
For Cameron County, the meeting will be held in Harlingen on Monday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. at the DFPS office located on 801 N. 13th St., Suite 23. Bilingual staff will be available to speak with interested parties.
DFPS invites community organizations or congregations to schedule special presentations through the regional adoption recruiter, Cornelia Garza. Her phone number is (361) 516-0943.
Lennen added, “Thank you for assisting (DFPS) in our mission.”
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