Courtesy of West Texas Catholic News, Published 05/16/10

CFS To Discontinue Adoption, Foster Care Services

Amarillo—Calling it a “sobering decision,” Catholic Family Service has announced plans to discontinue its adoption and foster care services in July, according to Bernard Johnson, executive director of Catholic Family Service.

 “Over the past several years, we have seen a pronounced decline in demand for both adoption and foster care services, “said Johnson.  “An increasing number of young birth mothers are deciding to parent their children and many adoption agencies are now large national organizations, many of whom have an international focus. Additionally, foster care has diminished, with the State of Texas preferring to place more children with family members and not with licensed foster care services.

“Although we will no longer actively provide adoption and foster care services, we will ensure that those who seek our assistance receive referrals to agencies that hold similar beliefs and ethics to our own.  There are nine adoption and/or foster care agencies that have service areas inclusive of Amarillo.

Johnson said there was a reluctance to discontinue the adoption and foster care programs.

“We have been very reluctant to discontinue our adoption and foster care programs as they have been provided by our agency for many years,” said Johnson.  “Even in light of declines over recent years, we have opted to engage in intervention measures, determined to do all that was possible to strengthen and revive these services with the hope of renewing their sustainability.

“We are very proud of our excellent staff under the capable leadership of Holly Campidilli and her supportive team: Gail Herskovitz, Stephanie Fjetland, Kristen Key, Cecilia Bauer and of all those who have worked diligently over the past few years to provide quality services for both our adoptive and foster families and children that Catholic Family Service has served.

“The Lord has been gracious to our agency, consistently providing avenues for CFS to serve the community in relevant and life-changing ways. May He continue to guide us as we honor our past and navigate through the future.”

Catholic Family Service began in 1932, during the famous Dust Bowl Era to help poverty-stricken families.  Originally founded by the Catholic Church, Johnson said CFS became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1965.  

“We have an enduring tradition of providing more than 60 programs and services over our memorable 78-year history as one of the oldest human service community-based organizations in the region,” he said.  “In fulfilling our mission, we reach out to families and singles, the old, the young, the disabled and the poor in the 26 county Texas Panhandle.  We serve approximately 15% of poverty level individuals in Potter and Randall Counties. “

“CFS has been an outlet for service for the thousands of like-minded fellow laborers before us.  We choose to honor those intrepid pioneers who, almost a century ago, endeavored to provide comfort and care for the suffering of their day, by continuing on with their work. Our current staff represents 14 different countries, speaks 19 different languages and is equipped with diverse cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. Determined individuals who comprise our board, staff, volunteers and community sponsors have worked together to preserve the CFS heritage of caring for our neighbors through six wars, four severe economic downturns, hyper inflation and several natural disasters.  

“Along with our seasoned experience in youth services, adoption, foster care and assistance to elderly and low income individuals, we have developed capacity and competencies in providing job placement and workplace education, case management, citizenship services and supportive assistance to the local school system to aid with non-native English speaking students and parents. In seeking to fulfill our mission to meet the ever changing needs of the community, our programs and services have changed and adapted over our history to address the current needs at each stage of local growth and development.”

Please visit Adoption and Foster Care page for more information.