Litigation

Research

Public Policy

Education
2003

2004

2005
Gary Gates

Peter Johnston
Litigation

        TCFR and Family Advocates, its predecessor, have represented families in state and federal courts who were falsely accused of child abuse. TCFR is concerned with 1st, 4th, and 14th amendment rights related to families in educating and training their children.
        Currently the priorities of TCFR have shifted primarily to areas other than litigation. We continue to educate the public regarding CPS issues and can refer you to attorneys who will deal with CPS issues in certain areas of Texas, but we are not offering specific legal advice from our office.
        For a helpful resource for parents, attorneys, judges and child welfare organizations that emphasizes federal requirements to on reasonable efforts to keep families together we recommend Making Reasonable Efforts: A Permanent Home for Every Child.

        This resource published by the Youth Law Center states:
The Texas Center for Family Rights website is to be used for educational purposes only.
It should not be interpreted as specific legal advice.
At times TCFR is able to make recommendations regarding attorneys in Texas who are able and willing to advocate on behalf of parental rights. TCFR recommends that you consult one of them or another attorney as you plan your legal course of action.
Texas Center for Family Rights is a non-profit corporation offering chaitable and educational services. TCFR had applied for 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.
"The principle of maintaining families and avoiding separation isclearly expressed in child welfare standards and literature. Services tomaintain children in their own homes have been called "the first line ofdefense in child welfare. The goal of maintaining families has been the central espoused goal in child welfare. This goal is grounded in thebelief that the best place for children is in their own homes cared for bytheir own parents. It is also consistent with the constitutional right offamily integrity, recognized consistently by the U.S. Supreme Court andother federal and state courts. This right allows parents to raise theirchildren free of state intervention, unless a compelling reasonassociated with the safety or welfare of the childjustifiesintervention. [emphasis added].
The Court has found that the relationship of love and duty in a recognized family unit is an interest in liberty entitled to Constitutional protection

U.S. Supreme Court, Lehr v. Robertson.