Families in Southwest Texas who are navigating Child Protective Services (CPS) cases often face serious challenges, including food insecurity, unstable housing, financial hardship, domestic violence, or the need for emotional and parenting support. The Southwest Texas and Southwest San Antonio region offers a powerful network of governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations designed to help families regain stability, meet CPS service plan requirements, and move toward safe reunification. These community supports play a crucial role in protecting children’s well-being and strengthening families during CPS involvement.

Food and Basic Needs Assistance

San Antonio Food Bank – Southwest Texas Region

The San Antonio Food Bank partners with churches, pantries, shelters, and community centers throughout Southwest Texas. CPS-involved families can access groceries, emergency food boxes, and nutrition programs. The Food Bank’s online locator tool makes it easy to find nearby distribution sites.

Catholic Charities – Southwest Texas

Provides comprehensive support, including food assistance, rental and utility aid (when available), disaster relief, counseling, and case management. These services help CPS-involved parents reduce stress and maintain stability while fulfilling CPS service plans.

Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM)

CAM supplies emergency food, clothing, hygiene items, and crisis assistance. Many families rely on CAM during transitional periods to maintain CPS compliance and meet basic household needs.

Family and Child Support Services

The Children’s Shelter – Family Strengthening Programs

Offers trauma-informed counseling, parenting classes, crisis intervention, and home-based support services. These programs often meet CPS requirements for improving parenting skills and emotional stability.

ChildSafe – Southwest Texas Child Advocacy Center

Partners with CPS, law enforcement, and medical providers to support children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. Services include forensic interviews, trauma counseling, advocacy, and caregiver guidance.

Family Service Association of San Antonio

Provides parenting programs, mental health services, financial coaching, and case management—valuable supports for families working toward CPS reunification.

Crisis Response, Housing Assistance & Domestic Violence Services

Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS)

The Battered Women & Children’s Shelter offers safe housing, legal advocacy, counseling, and safety planning. CPS may require survivors to obtain safe housing, making FVPS essential for families escaping violence.

SAMMinistries

Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing programs, and case management. Consistent and safe housing is required by CPS in many reunification plans.

Haven for Hope

A large-scale support campus offering meals, mental health care, substance-use counseling, crisis services, and long-term housing stabilization programs.

Local Faith-Based & Nonprofit Organizations

Churches and nonprofits throughout Southwest Texas provide meals, short-term housing, transportation assistance, childcare support, and emotional counseling—all of which help families stay compliant with CPS plans.

Information, Referral & Community Support Navigation

2-1-1 Texas – Southwest Region

Families can call 2-1-1 for immediate referrals to:

• Food and rental assistance
• Parenting classes
• Counseling or mental health services
• Substance abuse treatment
• Childcare and youth programs
• Domestic violence shelters
• Transportation assistance
  

Operated by Texas Health and Human Services, 2-1-1 connects CPS-involved families with approved programs quickly and efficiently.

Summary

Southwest Texas offers a strong network of community, nonprofit, and governmental resources that support families navigating CPS involvement. From food and housing assistance to counseling, parenting classes, and child advocacy services, these programs help families create stable, safe environments that support reunification and long-term child safety.