AUSTIN, Texas - A state senator is convinced churches can take the lead in tackling a shortfall of about 8,000 foster-care families in the state, the Baptist Standard reported.
Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, has introduced a bill that would require the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services to develop a program to recruit foster families from the faith communities that would, in turn, provide support networks for the families.
About 15,000 Texas children need foster care, according to the report, but the state has only about 7,000 eligible families.
SB 1489, if it passes, would require the agency to send employees throughout the state to recruit families in churches and provide training for them. Churches would be asked to provide support to the foster families in their congregations by offering free day care, respite care or financial assistance, if needed, according to the newspaper.
Under the bill, churches would be protected from liability for churches that provide the sponsorship.
SB 1489 was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee March 20.
