DFPS faith-based specialist outlines volunteer supports, rainbow rooms for children in care
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Candace Ramos of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services described local faith-based initiatives, volunteer screening and ‘rainbow rooms’ that provide emergency supplies to children and families served by DFPS.
Candace Ramos, faith-based and community engagement specialist with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, briefed the Walker County Commissioners Court on Aug. 11 about her office’s volunteer, outreach and donation programs that support children in foster care.
Ramos said the faith-based unit coordinates volunteers and community groups to support caseworkers and families but does not provide direct casework. “We build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe,” Ramos said, describing the agency’s mission and vision.
She explained the unit’s role in processing volunteer background checks, recruiting churches and civic groups for mentoring and nonmonetary support, and maintaining donated supplies for county ‘‘rainbow rooms’’ — small storerooms of clothing, hygiene items and emergency supplies housed at DFPS offices or designated community locations. Ramos said the Walker County rainbow room recently received donated dry food and several hundred dollars in supplies from Sam Houston State University and other donors.
Ramos said the unit also runs training for mandated reporters and leads community outreach events including Blue Sunday (prayer for children in care) and a ‘‘Stand With Me’’ summit to connect volunteers with caseworkers. She asked county officials to encourage referrals from the child-welfare board and to contact her office when caseworkers need community wraparound services.
The presentation was informational; no court action was required. Ramos provided contact information and asked that caseworkers consult the faith-based team before requesting board funds so the community can be engaged first.
Ending: Ramos said her region covers Harris County and surrounding counties and invited local churches and civic groups to partner on mentorship, donation drives and short-term wraparound supports for children exiting care.