As I write this update about our upcoming hearing I am mindful that we are about to celebrate Memorial Day weekend and certainly wish each of you safety and blessings as we remember those who have served our country and paid the ultimate price to protect and preserve our freedoms. May each of us make the necessary sacrifices within our respective spheres of influence to likewise protect and preserve our liberty and freedoms.

I have heard from a number of people that they intend to attend the June 2nd hearing of Rep. Hupp’s Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care in Austin. And we have received signed copies of our petition from Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee as well as Texas. Tremendous! Keep the petitions coming. Each one will be presented to Rep. Hupp’s committee.

We anticipate some stiff opposition at next week’s hearing and appreciate support for promoting substitute care with relatives. It is important to emphasize parental rights and that children are not mere creatures of the state so that children are not used as hostages in CPS situations. Children are not bargaining chips used to assert power and control or to gain money.

For those who are coming the clerk of the committee has advised us to expect a lengthy meeting. The twelve groups or individuals in the invited testimony will speak for varying lengths of time. Some will undoubtedly address several facets of the issue while others will be more focused. Representatives may interrupt their testimony with questions at any time to obtain clarification or request further information.

Texas Center for Family Rights will have three speakers each addressing this issue from a different angle. Other groups may have a single or multiple spokesmen. Public testimony will start after invited testimony is completed, whatever time that is. Public testimony will be taken in the order that the committee receives signed forms that morning indicating a desire to speak. The room is supposed to be open approximately 9:00AM. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00AM.

As a reminder, all testimony is to be directed to the specific charge of the committee which, for this hearing is:

Evaluate means by which the state may promote substitute care with relatives of a child who is removed from the home by Child Protective Services.

The committee will encourage speakers to be efficient. Focus on this issue and be brief. While no absolute standard has been given for public testimony during this hearing a three minute time frame was expressed during the legislative session. It is helpful to prepare ahead of time by writing out your testimony and practicing it. In fact you are welcome to bring your written testimony and submit it along with oral testimony or in substitution for oral testimony.

The committee will especially be looking for constructive ideas on how to promote substitute care and needs also to hear why this change is so critical.

This will be an excellent opportunity to be a part of our government "of the people, by the people and for the people." If we do not exercise our rights to be heard, we do not deserve to maintain those rights. As my wife quoted to me yesterday, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

Again the hearing is in E1.010 of the extension part of the State Capitol building. A map of the Capitol complex can be found at:

www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/FloorPlan/Complex.htm

I have included the petition again as a Word attachment. It is not too late to fax it or e-mail it back!

Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in Austin!

Respectfully,
Peter Johnston
President
Texas Center for Family Rights