Dallas Morning News, 12-24-2007 - Bells for Relief Nursery

         
The Texas Department for Family and Protective Services has contracted with the Relief Nursery of Eugene, OR to replicate two Relief Nurseries in the state of Texas. 

The Relief Nursery model was selected after the Texas DFPS conducted a national search for comprehensive family support services with a focus on prevention. According to Lory Britain, Ph.D, Associate Director of National Replication, Texas chose the Relief Nursery because of its unique, innovative and highly effective programs and services. 

These Relief Nurseries are the first to be developed as part of a national replication initiative. “This is an exciting time for the Relief Nursery as we reach across Oregon’s borders to meet the growing needs of at-risk children and families across the country,” said Sid Johnson, Director of National Replication. 

Texas is funding the development of the Relief Nurseries through its use of federal funds from the Community Based Child Abuse Prevention Program. “Every state receives these funds and could use them to replicate a Relief Nursery in their area,” said Sid Johnson.

Texas began the formal planning stages of Relief Nurseries in both Austin and Plano on January 1, 2007.