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Families in River Oaks and the surrounding Central Houston area who are navigating Child Protective Services (CPS) cases often face challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, financial stress, domestic violence, or a need for emotional and parenting support. Fortunately, the River Oaks region offers access to a strong network of governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping families stabilize their homes, meet CPS service plan requirements, and work toward safe reunification. These community resources play a vital role in promoting child safety, emotional well-being, and long-term family success.
Food and Basic Needs Assistance
Houston Food Bank – Central Houston Distribution Network
The Houston Food Bank partners with local churches, nonprofits, and community centers near River Oaks and Inner Loop Houston. Families involved in CPS cases can access groceries, emergency food boxes, and nutritional support. The Food Bank’s online locator helps parents find the nearest distribution sites.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Catholic Charities provides vital assistance, including food pantry programs, emergency rent and utility support (when available), disaster relief assistance, and case management. These services help CPS-involved families reduce stress and maintain stability while working through their service plans.
Wesley Community Center – Central Houston
This organization supports families through food distribution, emergency financial aid, workforce programs, and crisis assistance. Many CPS families rely on these services to meet household needs during periods of transition.
Family and Child Support Services
The Women’s Home – Houston
Provides supportive services, counseling, and residential programs for women recovering from trauma, substance abuse, and instability—issues commonly addressed in CPS cases. Their programs help caregivers build safe, healthy environments.
Children’s Assessment Center (CAC)
The CAC partners with CPS, law enforcement, and medical providers to support children who have experienced abuse. Services include forensic interviews, trauma-informed counseling, advocacy, and family support programs.
Family Houston
Family Houston offers counseling, parenting classes, case management, financial coaching, and emotional support programs. These services often meet CPS requirements for parenting improvement and emotional stability.
Crisis Response, Housing Support & Domestic Violence Services
Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
HAWC provides emergency shelter, domestic violence intervention, counseling, safety planning, and legal advocacy. For CPS cases involving unsafe living conditions or family violence, HAWC offers crucial protective support.
Coalition for the Homeless – Houston Region
Provides coordinated access to emergency shelter programs, rapid rehousing, case management, and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. Because CPS requires consistent, safe housing, these resources are often essential for reunification.
Local Faith-Based and Nonprofit Groups
Many River Oaks–area organizations and churches provide hot meals, temporary housing, financial help, childcare assistance, and transportation support to help families stay compliant with CPS plans.
Information, Referral & Service Navigation
2-1-1 Texas (Harris County Region)
Parents and caregivers can call 2-1-1 for referrals to services such as:
- Food and rental assistance
- Parenting programs
- Mental health and counseling services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Childcare and after-school programs
- Domestic violence shelters
- Transportation support
This statewide resource, operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, helps families locate CPS-approved services quickly and efficiently.
Summary
River Oaks and Central Houston offer a wide network of governmental and nonprofit resources designed to support parents and children involved in CPS cases. From food assistance and housing support to trauma-informed counseling and child advocacy services, these programs provide the stability families need to meet CPS service plan requirements and work toward successful reunification.
