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Parker County keeps funding for Child Protective Services board amid growing need
Summary
The commissioners approved continuation funding for the Parker County Child Protective Services Board, which said its program expenses — from Christmas sponsorships to caseworker training — have risen with county population growth.
Ruth Swain, treasurer of the Parker County Child Protective Services Board, told the commissioners the board’s mission is to meet basic and expanding needs of children in the county and that requests for help now include dental and orthodontic care, after‑school care and additional medical needs.
“Our mission is to take care of some of the basic needs of children in our county,” Swain said, adding that the board routinely funds caseworker training and a Christmas program and spends “close to 15 to $20,000 a year for clothing itself.” The board asked the court to continue the same county allocation it has received in prior years: $34,600, according to the written request presented to the court.
Commissioners asked for details about specific line items and how the funds are spent; Swain and a community liaison said the request packet included a breakdown of program expenses. After brief discussion the court approved the board’s requested amount; the clerk’s record shows the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: Commissioners said population growth in Parker County is increasing demand for child welfare supports. The county’s allocation helps fill gaps that neither foster parents nor other local charities can cover, officials said.
What’s next: County staff will process the appropriation and the board said it would continue outreach for volunteers and sponsors to supplement county funds.
