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Public Policy

TCFR works strategically with state legislators and national representatives to influence public policy. Advocating a strong system of government accountability, TCFR works with public policy makers to preserve fundamental Constitutional rights while upholding traditional family values.

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.

2005

Wernecke Case
TCFR advised the Wernecke family when their 13-year-old daughter Katie was seized by CPS, after they insisted on a second opinion on chemotheraphy.

Justice of the Peace Edna Staudt wrote to her state representative regarding the antagonizing tactics used by CPS. Her testimony and the testimony of attorney Robert Phillips was also included.

Judge Staudt's Letter

Testimony of Edna Staudt, Justice of the Peace, Williamson County, TX

Testimony of Robert Phillips, attorney

CPS REFORM HEARINGS
Rep. Suzanna Gratia Hupp is chair of a Committee on Human Services, which will address Kinship Care and other CPS Reform issues.
On February 28, 2005 the committee heard invited testimony.

HB 1014 - Addresses the way child abuse & neglect allegations are handled and investigated. [currently in committee]

On March 3, 2005 public testimony was heard. Gary Gates was invited to speak at the hearing. Listen to his testimony here.

2004

Texas Speaker of the House Tom Craddick appointed Rep. Suzanna Hupp to chair a Select Interim Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care. Texas Center for Family Rights has been asked to speak at various hearings.

TCFR Founder Gary Gates and TCFR President Peter Johnston will attend to hear reports from the Comptroller's recent investigation into Texas Deptment of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) and from TDPRS itself.

Information on this Select Committee and its specific charges can be found at Texas House of Representatives.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Carol Keeyton Strayhorn release Forgotten Children Progress Report
a study on the foster care system.

2003

TCFR worked with state representatives and kindred organizations to draft legislation and propose reforms in Texas.
TCFR spear-headed a grassroots effort to protect parental rights during the investigation of child abuse cases and worked to promote parental rights in education.
Proposals would have protected parental rights related to breast-feeding babies and enabled parents to designate the person who would care for the child during the investigation. They would also mandate audio or video taping of interviews of children during the investigation. They would have limited state authorization of medical, psychological and psychiatric examination of children without parental consent.

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