In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Marcia Bluitt from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to talk about the mission of Child Protective Services (CPS) and how the community can help prevent child abuse and neglect before it starts.
Marcia shares how CPS and the Faith-Based and Community Engagement Division work hand-in-hand with churches, local organizations, and volunteers to support families in need — from providing beds, diapers, and groceries to stabilizing homes and keeping children safe.
She also discusses how to recognize the signs of child abuse, the importance of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and how every adult is a mandated reporter with a role to play in protecting the children of Austin County.
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Marcia Bluitt and the DFPS mission
⏰ 02:15 – What Child Protective Services (CPS) does for families
⏰ 05:10 – How the Faith-Based and Community Engagement team supports caseworkers
⏰ 08:00 – Understanding Child Abuse Prevention Month
⏰ 11:15 – Common signs of abuse and neglect
⏰ 14:40 – How to report suspected abuse safely and anonymously
⏰ 17:50 – Poverty vs. neglect: knowing the difference
⏰ 21:15 – The Rainbow Room and how it serves Austin County families
⏰ 24:00 – Fostering, respite care, and volunteer opportunities
⏰ 27:00 – How churches and civic groups can get involved
⏰ 29:30 – Final thoughts: It takes a village to protect our children