|
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) announces the inaugural membership of the Partners for Children and Families Committee (PCFC). Term appointments begin May 1, 2024.
The purpose of the Partners for Children and Families Committee is to partner with DFPS to improve and strengthen the Texas child protection system, including evolution of the Community-Based Care model.
The 15 members below were selected for their demonstrated commitment to children and families and diverse background and expertise in the child protection system. The members represent all facets of the child protection system, including providers, former foster youth, legal system representation, and advocacy organizations.
The Commissioner is proud to present the inaugural PCFC Core Committee:
- Jamie Bernstein, Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families
- Denise Blakney, Building Future Families
- Robbie Callis, Casey Family Programs
- Tabitha Charlton, Kidsave Texas
- Chelsea Churchill, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Fedora Galasso, Texas Network of Youth Services
- Jenifer Jarriel, DePelchin Children’s Center
- Brandon Logan, One Accord for Kids
- Michael Loo, Upbring
- Mike Maples, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
- Katie Olse, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services
- Michael Redden, New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc.
- Tara Roussett, SJRC Texas
- Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA
- Ashleigh Wilkes, A World for Children
First Meeting
The first committee meeting is scheduled for May 31, 2024, in the Brown-Heatly Building Public Hearing Room (4900 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78751) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The agenda will be posted on the DFPS website by May 24, 2024.
Chair Selection
The Chair will be selected by committee members by vote during the first committee meeting. Subcommittee chairs will be selected by the Chair, in consultation with DFPS staff after the first meeting.
Subcommittees
Subcommittees will meet as needed to accomplish the goals of the committee. Once the subcommittee chairs are appointed, DFPS will work with the chairs to fill the subcommittee roster. The subcommittee interest ranking submitted at the time of application will be taken into consideration for subcommittee selection. The subcommittees are:
- Community-Based Care
- Placement
- Contract Oversight and Regulatory
- Foster Care/Kinship
- Intake/Investigations
- Services and Supports
Point of Contact
Cheryl Gomez serves as liaison to the Committee. She can be reached at 512-289-7764 or [email protected].
|
