This November is National Adoption Month and November 10th is Stand Sunday. Stand Sunday is recognized in Texas and in other states as a specific Sunday to call the many people of faith to stand for our children in the foster care system, and those who are waiting for their forever families. On behalf of these Texan children, we want to thank you for standing up to care for them on Stand Sunday and every day.
Our faith-based partners play a major role in promoting both foster care and the adoption of children across the state. Protecting vulnerable children is everyone’s responsibility. We need our faith-based and community partners to advocate for, serve, and care for all the children in our state, especially those who have faced abuse, neglect, and abandonment. According to the DFPS data for fiscal year 2023, there are over 31,400 Texan children in foster care and over 4,711 Texan children waiting for adoption.
We know that not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but we all can do something. Our Faith-Based and Community Engagement Division has local staff who can help you and your faith community discover that something. Every day our team works in partnership with the Faith Community to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families in Texas.
DFPS promotes safe and healthy families and protects children from abuse, neglect and exploitation. We value and need your partnership to care for our wonderful Texan children. Will you stand for them and with us this Stand Sunday?
Visit www.dfps.texas.gov/Community/Faith-Based to learn more about how you can become involved today.
In 2002, Bishop Aaron Blake, Sr. initiated the first “Stand Sunday” in the United States, calling the families at his home church in Brownwood, Texas to stand-up to care for children and families impacted by the child welfare system.
Today, churches across the nation join forces on Stand Sunday to declare war on inaction when it comes to children and families facing abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
Although traditionally observed on the second Sunday of November during National Adoption Month, churches host Stand Sunday on various days and in various ways. Check out these free resources to help your church observe Stand Sunday this year.
Visit the Stand Sunday Website to access the 2024 Guidebook, graphics, and much more to help you plan Stand Sunday for your community.
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