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Government agency looks to faith groups for help
The name Child Protective Services (CPS) invokes images of families in crisis — children being removed from abusive BY AMY MOR G AN
Would it surprise you to learn that CPS actively seeks to connect with faithbased organizations to combat the chaos? In fact, the state employs faithbased specialists like Hope Shelton to engage with churches, synagogues, and other communities of faith. Shelton has been with CPS for 14 years, transitioning to her current position eight years ago. She jumped at the chance to incorporate her beliefs into her work. “It’s so important,” she said. “Case workers can’t provide what a community of faith can. Imagine how connected the children and families involved in child welfare could be if they each had a loving faith community.” In 1995, the Advisory Committee on Promoting Adoption of Minority Children recognized the benefit of 12
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or neglectful situations, fractured families. connecting families served by CPS with those able to help. In 2016, the Texas lieutenant governor implemented a 10-point plan including faithbased efforts and the importance of CPS fully engaging with the faith community. Whether it’s donated goods, foster or adoptive homes, or volunteers, the faith community provides a natural environment in which to find willing hearts. “There are so many great congregations,” Shelton acknowledged. “We have more than 600 kids in Region 8 waiting for adoption right now.” There are so many ways to start serving this population. Sometimes it’s a matter of connecting those with resources to places of w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
greatest need. A larger church can undergird the efforts of another. Sometimes they just desire a congregation equipped to welcome a group of children in foster care at the youth events the congregation is hosting Shelton said.
While many children are placed with families, some live in residential treatment centers. Mentors make personal connections that can change a child’s future. Pastor Mel Keyes serves at Joshua House of Worship. He partners with CPS by mentoring youth at The Bridge Emergency Shelter. “As adoptive parents ourselves, Kendra and I know what kinds of hurts these kids are dealing with, but I can’t even begin tell you how many times we left O c to b e r / N ove m b e r 2 0 2 0
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