[sprkl1]

Hello...I am new to this so bear with me ...I have seen several posts regarding "major changes" within CPS and that going with private agencies would be better..can someone explain what is going on? is it going to be harder to adopt through the state via CPS? I know they have had major problems in the past but wasn't aware that they were completely revamping the system...

I am just starting this journey and planned to attend a TARE adoption meeting next month..would that be a waste of time? should I just contact a private agency?

[texastanya]

It is my understanding that most of CPS's duties are about to become privatized (I think the ballpark time frame is by end of 2007). Therefore, most things that CPS does now will be "outsourced" to certain private agencies. Some of the smaller agencies will end up dissolving, while the larger ones will be taking over the majority of CPS duties.

I believe CPS will continue to investigate allegations of abuse, and make the decision to remove a child when neccessary. The agencies will be taking over the foster care aspect.

Since the agencies will be assuming responsibility of the FC part, I think it would be wise to go with an agency at first, rather than deal with CPS and end up having to switch to an agency anyway.

Now, if someone else has more or different information, please share.

[sprkl1]

Thank you for the info!!! I will attend the adoption meeting (it's at my church) then contact a private agency...looks like I picked the wrong time to start this process...I don't want to get lost in the shuffle of a massive re-organization!!!

[rsbg]

I wouldn't worry too much about the re-organization if you are going to start off with a private agency. I think if you started with CPS now, you would eventually have to switch to a private agency and at a time when everyone in the state is trying to switch to the same private agencies. It is my opinion that it would be best to start off with a private agency, so you are already in their doors when the rush hits. We had originally started off going through CPS because the decision of which agency to pick was so daunting.... but with the help/advice of the people on this site, we changed to a private agency. I feel God has led us to the right agency, I love them so far.

Good luck in your journey....

[sprkl1]

Originally Posted by rsbg

I wouldn't worry too much about the re-organization if you are going to start off with a private agency. I think if you started with CPS now, you would eventually have to switch to a private agency and at a time when everyone in the state is trying to switch to the same private agencies. It is my opinion that it would be best to start off with a private agency, so you are already in their doors when the rush hits. We had originally started off going through CPS because the decision of which agency to pick was so daunting.... but with the help/advice of the people on this site, we changed to a private agency. I feel God has led us to the right agency, I love them so far.

Good luck in your journey....

thank you...I'm gonna need it!!

[jigger]

We found that going through a private agency was 400 times easier than messing around with the state. I vote for going that route!

Good Luck!

[txsar]

We went with a private agency primarily because they offer more options for training and also seem to get licensed quicker. Here's the website that talks about the outsourcing of CPS functions to private angencies. I haven't actually read it but ran across it the other day.

DFPS Outsourcing - Overview

[MarMad]

From what I understand, last month the state decided to "indefinitley postpone" privatization of DCFPS. But still, the private agencies are more user-friendly, IMO.

[sprkl1]

thanks txsar for the link...and thank you to everyone that responded..I've started "reaching out" to the agencies just to get an overview of their process/services...