May 1, 2018 | Press Release
Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) Deputy Commissioner Trevor Woodruff and Associate Commissioner Sasha Rasco were in Lubbock today as part of a statewide Listening Tour. The purpose of this visit was to get an in-depth view of the 
Lubbock community and learn more about local family strengthening and child abuse prevention programs that receive state funding.
“Today we have an opportunity as a community to meet with the state agencies that have oversight of the many programs that impact our daily lives. It is a privilege to extend a South Plains welcome to the DFPS staff from Austin," said State Senator Charles Perry.
Woodruff, who was appointed DFPS Deputy Commissioner in 2016, and Rasco, who is the Associate Commissioner of Prevention and Early Intervention, were the featured guests at a community event held at 8:30 AM in the Community Room at Prosperity Bank this morning.
Information presented at the event will allow state level decision makers to better understand the unique needs and challenges the Lubbock community faces in regards to child abuse and neglect. Mayor Dan Pope, Senator Perry, and State Representative John Frullo each made presentations regarding the issues of child abuse and neglect in the Lubbock Community.
"Lubbock has a number of outstanding organizations like the Parenting Cottage, Voice of Hope, and Catholic Charities that provide services to victims of child abuse and neglect to start rebuilding their lives. I applaud DFPS for coming to Lubbock who has worked hard to reduce the number of victims in our area," said Representative Frullo.
Presentations were also made by Lubbock Area United Way, Parenting Cottage, Catholic Charities, and StarCare Specialty Systems. An audience Q & A followed the presentations.
“Funding for child abuse prevention is so vitally important to our community,” said Ashley Ammons, Lubbock Area United Way’s Community Impact Director. “The rate of child abuse and neglect in Lubbock County is almost double the state average. Prevention programs are not only better for children but are the most cost-effective way to tackle this issue.”
United Way released the 2018 Community Status Report yesterday, which highlights some of these issues. The report can be found online at www.liveunitedlubbock.org/community-status-report.
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