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Families navigating Child Protective Services (CPS) cases often face challenges related to housing, food, transportation, childcare, and emotional support. Houston offers a wide range of governmental and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping families meet CPS requirements, stabilize their households, and access services essential to child safety and reunification.
Food and Basic Needs Assistance
Parents involved with CPS may need support in meeting a family’s basic needs while completing service plans. Houston provides numerous community programs offering food, emergency relief, and household assistance.
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank serves as one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the nation. Through its network of partner pantries, mobile food distributions, and community agencies, families can access groceries, emergency food boxes, and referrals to additional support programs. The Food Bank’s website offers tools to locate the nearest pantry or distribution site.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
This organization provides food pantry access, emergency financial assistance, disaster relief services, rental and utility support (when available), and other programs that help families maintain stability during CPS involvement.
BakerRipley Community Centers
BakerRipley operates multiple centers throughout Houston, offering food distribution, workforce programs, financial coaching, emergency support services, and family resources that assist parents working toward CPS reunification.
Family and Child Support Services
CPS cases often require families to participate in parenting programs, counseling, and support services. Houston offers several organizations focused on strengthening families and reducing the risk of abuse or neglect.
DePelchin Children’s Center
DePelchin provides counseling, parenting classes, trauma-informed therapy, foster care support, and family strengthening programs commonly used by CPS families. Their services help parents meet requirements in CPS service plans.
Children’s Assessment Center (CAC)
The CAC works closely with law enforcement and CPS to support child victims of abuse. Services include forensic interviews, forensic medical evaluations, family advocacy, and therapeutic programs for children and non-offending caregivers.
AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)
AVDA supports families impacted by domestic violence by offering counseling, case management, legal advocacy, and safety planning. These resources may be essential for CPS cases involving family violence concerns.
Crisis Response, Housing Support, and Domestic Violence Services
Housing instability and domestic violence are common factors in CPS investigations. Houston provides several emergency and transitional support services.
Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
HAWC provides confidential shelter, emergency housing, advocacy, counseling, and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Many CPS cases involve protective orders or safety requirements, making HAWC a crucial resource.
The Salvation Army of Greater Houston
Offers emergency shelter programs, family housing units, rental assistance (as available), case management, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis.
Coalition for the Homeless – Houston
This network connects families with shelters, access points, rapid rehousing programs, and supportive services designed to help families stabilize and meet CPS expectations for safe housing.
Information, Referral, and Access to Local Resources
Families involved in CPS often need help navigating multiple systems such as healthcare, childcare, housing, and employment.
2-1-1 Texas
Operated in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 2-1-1 provides free statewide referrals for services related to food, shelter, childcare programs, mental health treatment, medical care, rental assistance, and more. Families can call 2-1-1 or visit the website to find up-to-date programs that support CPS requirements.
Summary
Houston’s network of governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations provides essential support for CPS-involved families. From food assistance and housing resources to child advocacy and mental health programs, these services help parents and caregivers create safe, stable environments that support reunification and long-term family well-being.
