[fostermomintx]

I've been with CPS for almost 2.5 years and I am a little frustrated with them and have started looking at private agencies. If you have switched from CPS to an agency what are the differences you have noticed? And has it been a good experience for you?

Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated.

[unclederwood]

I am located in San Antonio. My husband and I were with CPS for a short time, then switched to a private agency. The biggest difference I have noticed is that the caseworkers seem to be more on the ball, they are much easier to get a hold of, and their case loads are a lot smaller.

On the down side, we are required to attend alot more training throughout the year.

[aimeek]

We are only waiting on CPS to call us and tell us that our license is approved. But we have thought about going to a private agency. We have people in our church that are with other agencies and the biggest difference that I see from them is they have a good support system for trainings and problems.
We still may switch once we get approved. Should be any day now, and we are excited!

[KT9]

I recently adopted through CPS with a legal risk placement. My husband and I have already decided we will not be using them again. We will use a private agency. The main reasons are lack of support from the agency and complete incompetence of the caseworkers. I know they're overworked and underpaid but that doesn't matter much when you have a drug-addicted newborn to take of.

Sorry I can't give you any advice. Just wanted to let you know someone else is right there with you.

[fostermomintx]

Thanks to everyone for your input and for the support.

KT9,
I'm in the process of switching to a private agency and hope to be transferred by mid-summer. I have a lot of frustration with the workers too, although I have had a few that were wonderful. I figure that an agency with fewer cases are more able to handle the questions/concerns of the foster parent and better for the children. The agency I'm looking into is brand new (although they have operated a shelter for many years for abused/neglected children) and are looking to license about 25 families and only deal with about 50 children so hopefully this will make things better for all concerned.

Also, I haven't had a call for a placement since February, whereas I was getting calls every other day before that. I guess either parents are treating their children better or nobody is reporting abuse/neglect. Who knows!