AUSTIN – Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued the following statement today regarding immediate steps that are being taken to protect children in the state who are at risk of abuse and neglect:

“The heart-breaking news from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) that there is a substantial backlog in getting to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect is simply not acceptable.  Today I joined with Governor Abbott and Speaker Straus in asking the Commissioner to act immediately to put together an emergency plan to eliminate the backlog.

“I have asked Chairman Nelson to convene the Finance Committee to receive the plan that will be submitted by DFPS and identify the best allocation and application of DFPS resources to protect one of our most vulnerable populations.

“I have also been working with DFPS for several months to activate a Faith-Based Collaboration that is engaging churches around the state to recruit potentially adoptive parents for the state’s foster children. Over 560 partnerships with faith based leaders have signed on to participate so far.  Lt. Governor Patrick will lead a Faith Based Community Summit  about this effort on November 2.”