The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is a government agency responsible for protecting the welfare of children, elderly citizens, and individuals with disabilities in Texas. The department was established in 2004 after a reorganization of the state’s social service system. DFPS provides a variety of services to Texas residents, including foster care and adoption services, investigations of child abuse and neglect, prevention of domestic violence, and mental health services. The agency employs over 11,000 people, including social workers, investigators, and support staff, who work out of 250 offices across the state. DFPS operates several programs and initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. One such program is the Permanency Care Assistance program, which helps kinship caregivers gain legal custody of children in their care. Another initiative is the Safe Babies Court Team approach, which focuses on improving outcomes for infants and toddlers in foster care. The agency also works closely with community partners, such as law enforcement agencies, medical professionals, and schools, to promote safety and well-being for children, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities. DFPS is committed to providing services that are culturally sensitive and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.