Community celebrates renovated CPS space

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services held a dedication ceremony May 27 to unveil refreshed Child Protective Services visitation and staff observation rooms at its Bastrop office, following a community-led renovation project.

The two-month renovation was made possible through the work of DFPS, Bastrop County Cares, Social Empowerment Texas, Heal Alliance and other local partners.

The details

DFFPS said the rooms, used for supervised visitation between children in state conservatorship and their families, had fallen into disrepair due to heavy use, with worn furnishings and toys needing replacement.

Lauren McBee, DFPS faith-based and community engagement specialist, said the project highlights the impact of community collaboration in supporting families.

Why it matters

“These rooms are vital to the work we do,” McBee said in an email. “Having a safe, comfortable and cheerful space to have visits helps keep and build important relationships.”

DFPS said the updated spaces are intended to create a more welcoming environment for families during supervised visitation as they work to maintain or rebuild relationships.

Members from the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce and local legislative staff attended the unveiling.