Empowering Child Protection Professionals in Texas

Social Empowerment Texas exists to strengthen social child protection professionals and other support staff at CPS offices across Region 7 to better support children, families, and communities.
Get Involved Today

Empowering the Child Welfare System

 At Social Empowerment Texas, we focus on providing resources and support to child protection professionals and support staff, ensuring they have the tools needed to assist foster, adoptive, and kinship families effectively. We strive to enhance the well-being of those we serve by appreciation events, programs advocacy and training.

What We Do

Our Mission

Social Empowerment Texas exists to empower child protection professionals and support services staff working for CPS by providing encouragement, relationship and support so that they stay in their job longer, support children towards permanency quicker and foster parents foster longer.

Our Vision

To be an integral part of the change needed in the child welfare system, that ensures children grow up safe, healthy, and in loving families.

Our Values

Collaboration, Community, Transparency, Compassion, Empathy, Empowerment and Hope are at the core of our organization, guiding our efforts to support child protection professionals. 

Our Programs

Provide one-time or ongoing encouragement and support for child protection professionals, training, resources, advocacy and a professional development scholarship. 

Get Involved

Join us in our mission to support child protection professionals, improve turnover rates and improve outcomes for families. Your involvement can make a significant impact.

Contact Us

For more information about our programs and how you can help, please reach out to us through our website, contact us page or social media channels.

Donate

.Your generous donations help us provide essential resources and support to child protection professionals in Texas.

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities include computer based options, intern opportunities and can be done in-person (at events) or at home virtually! There are opportunities for everyone.

Why This Matters

Child welfare workers stand on the front lines of crisis, supporting children and families in moments of instability, trauma, and uncertainty.

High Case Load

High caseloads limit the amount of time child protection professionals can spend with each child and in foster homes, supporting and resourcing their needs.

Limited Services

Child protection professionals have limited access to services for themselves and for the families and children they support.

Emotional Strain

Child Protection professionals face severe emotional strain, high turnover rates, compassion fatigue and secondary trauma from chronic exposure to client trauma and high-stakes decision-making.

Burn Out

Long hours, stressful situations and difficult work-life balance leads to a high percentage of burn out and turnover. Roughly 30% of child protection professionals leave their jobs within 12 months.

Testimonials

"Lauren and her team of volunteers provided us with a taco bar luncheon that was absolutely amazing! Every detail was thoughtfully prepared and delicious, she shared with us about her organization and it was very clear how deeply committed she is to supporting us as DFPS Workers, not only the practical resources but also the encouragement and care that will truly make a meaningful difference for us! Thank you!!"
Sierra Hopkins
Human Service Technician, CPS
"My role at DFPS is to engage and work with our communities, nonprofits and churches to help meet the needs of the children and families we work with, educate them on who DFPS is and the role we play. We were excited to hear about Social Empowerment Texas as their sole purpose is to help encourage, support and uplift our staff who are out in these communities. Thank you for what you have done so far and what is planned for the future!"
Lauren McBee
Faith Based and Community Engagement Specialist Region 7, CPS
“Although retired from CPS after 23 years of service, my heart will always be with the men and women who work in the field of child welfare. It should never be forgotten that this work is incredibly important to the safety and well-being of children and families, and is a difficult, stressful, and sometimes thankless job. Social Empowerment Texas seeks to encourage and support these heroes and increase the time they stay in the field. A strong, valued, and supported workforce is the key to better outcomes for children whose trauma should not be compounded while involved with the system.”
Sharon Berger
Deputy Chief, Social Services Travis County Probation Department & Social Empowerment Texas Board Member