Safety

Protecting Texans is the core of what HHS does. Our efforts cover a variety of areas that include monitoring child care providers, advocating for children, helping people affected by human trafficking and helping Texans recover from disasters.

Safety Resources

  • The Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas - (CACTX) is the statewide membership association for children's advocacy centers in the state. Founded in 1994, CACTX currently includes 70 local centers in both large, urban cities and small, rural communities. Their mission is to restore the lives of abused children by supporting child advocacy centers in partnership with local communities and agencies investigating and prosecuting child abuse.
  • HHS has programs in place with the best interests of the child and parent in mind when it comes to regulating child care operations across Texas.
  • Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates Inc. - (Texas CASA) is the statewide organization for volunteer advocate programs. Texas CASA and its 73 local programs ensure every child has an advocate to speak for his or her best interest before the courts. The advocate is a caring adult, trained to help a child through this difficult period in life. Their mission is to support local CASA volunteer advocacy programs and to advocate for effective public policy for children in the child protection system. Visit the Texas CASA website for more information or to become a volunteer.
  • The HHS Disaster Assistance program works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer housing and other assistance in the event of a federally declared disaster.
  • The HHS Family Violence Program promotes safety, self-sufficiency and long-term independence of adult and child survivors of family violence and survivors of dating violence. Through a network of trauma-informed service providers, the program provides emergency shelter and support services to survivors and their children, educates the public, provides training and offers prevention support to various agencies across Texas.
  • The HHS Repatriation Program helps U.S. citizens and their family members who are leaving a foreign country due to a crisis. You must be approved for this program by the U.S. Department of State.
  • The Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center is a statewide directory connecting HHS staff, healthcare providers, stakeholders and potential victims of human trafficking to local, state and national resources to identify and help people affected by human trafficking.
  • Twogether in Texas is an educational program to help engaged couples learn communication and conflict management skills as well as other key aspects of marriage. Those who complete the eight-hour course get a certificate for a $60 discount on their marriage license.