Resources for Parents and Families Involved with CPS
Resource Letter:
For Judges and Attorneys Handling Child Protective Services Cases
April 20, 2020
Resources for Parents and Families Involved with CPS
The COVID-19 pandemic and the statewide social distancing restrictions issued to contain the spread of the virus have transformed how Texans live, work, and relate to one another. For parents and families involved with CPS, those transformations not only affect their daily lives, they substantially complicate the already difficult process of completing the court-ordered services necessary to reunify with their children. The disruptions caused by the pandemic have caused a cascade of impacts related to a parent’s ability to provide for their children including maintaining secure housing, employment, childcare, social stability, and mental health.
Fortunately, there are resources available to parents, and the attorneys who represent them in court, to help navigate this crisis. Below are several resources created, hosted, and compiled by many community and national partners in support of children and families experiencing the pandemic, family separation, and the child welfare system.
The Children’s Commission has also developed a brief survey for attorneys and judges about how COVID-19 is affecting the representation of parents and children. Please consider taking a few minutes to complete this survey in order to help the Commission develop relevant training and resources.
Dealing with a Parent’s Illness: Wonders and Worries teaches parents how to parent and kids how to cope during a parent’s illness. Extended hours helpline:1-844-WE-WONDER (844-939-6633)
Coping and Self-Care: Supporting Children and Youth
Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line - Statewide support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge to people who call the hotline.
Understanding Trauma: Free Training on Trauma-Informed Care for Children and Youth: The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development has opened up online access to their TBRI training for FREE 30-day access. This offer is only good through May 31, 2020. Find the course at: https://child.tcu.edu/sale. Click on the "TBRI 101: A self-guided course in Trust-Based Relationships" link and click 30-day access, not one year, in order to get the free access.
For a complete list of Jurist in Residence Letters, please visit the Children's Commission webpage. Information provided by the Children’s Commission should not be read as a commentary by the Supreme Court of Texas or any other court. The Children’s Commission website is not equipped to facilitate dialogue or conversation about matters related to the information in this communique. For more information about the Children’s Commission, please visit our website.
