January 15, 2019

Between Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, we at THSC were reminded of that old saying that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance”… or was it “no good deed goes unpunished?”

A THSC member family called us after they were contacted by Child Protective Services (CPS). They anticipated this when a counselor whom they had sent their son to for help had asked if his parents spanked him. She raised her eyebrows when he said yes.

She followed up with the question of whether those spankings ever left a mark. When the child answered that sometimes it did, she said, “That’s child abuse.”

In response to their call, THSC attorney Chris Branson gave this member family extensive legal counsel on how to prepare for potential problems. On a day when most families were still enjoying their Christmas break, the family, with a THSC attorney present, spent four hours being interrogated by a CPS caseworker.

I’m happy to say that it looks like that will be the end of the investigation.

This family, like most of us, never thought something like this would happen to them, but it did.

It was a traumatic situation, especially for the children who were afraid they would be taken from their home. However, our staff and legal counsel helped this family understand the law and gave them comfort that they had done nothing wrong. We were with them throughout the ordeal, even during the holidays.

I am so grateful for THSC members and donors who make it possible for THSC to stand in the gap for families like the one I just described. We stand in the gap with information, intervention with state and federal agencies, and, when necessary, legal representation.

I can’t emphasize this enough:

This is all because we are supported by members, donors and prayer warriors who believe as we do that families have a God-given right to raise their children as they see fit.

CPS Reform: A Top Priority in Austin

I’m about to join our legislative team in Austin for the 86th Texas Legislative Session and one of the items on our agenda is legislation to reform CPS and protect innocent families. We’ll also be on the lookout for legislation that would be detrimental to Texas families.

To quote another favorite saying, “No man’s life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.”

Thanks again for your prayers and support. Sign up for updates as events develop in Austin.

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