By:  Barrientos                                      S.C.R. No. 143
                             SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas takes pride in
    1-2  recognizing the Austin Division of the Casey Family Program for its
    1-3  outstanding service to the community; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, Initiated by the late Jim Casey, a well-known,
    1-5  hardworking humanitarian, the Casey Family Program was created to
    1-6  provide quality care for children in need of long-term foster
    1-7  homes; the program is a standard-setting agency that recognizes
    1-8  each child's individual needs and the importance of adhering to
    1-9  high ideals; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, The Austin Division opened in March of 1985 and has
   1-11  provided long-term foster care placement services to a total of 130
   1-12  children between July of 1985 and the present; currently 64
   1-13  children and youths are receiving long-term foster care, nine
   1-14  youths are receiving continuing education/job training services,
   1-15  and 14 youths are receiving living/transition services; and
   1-16        WHEREAS, A highly successful agency, the Austin Division has
   1-17  assisted referral sources in finding appropriate placement
   1-18  resources and other needed services for approximately 5,000 youths
   1-19  throughout communities in Texas over its 10-year history; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, There are now 45 foster families providing long-term
   1-21  foster care in the Austin Division, and the success of the Austin
   1-22  program was a major factor leading to the development of a second
   1-23  Casey Division in San Antonio; and
    2-1        WHEREAS, An exceptional human service program, the Austin
    2-2  Division of the Casey Family Program equips young people with the
    2-3  skills to form and sustain significant positive relationships and
    2-4  to participate as responsible members of the community, and the
    2-5  commitment to youths extends beyond the 18th birthday; youths who
    2-6  leave the Casey program can return up to age 24 years to be
    2-7  considered for scholarship assistance for college or vocational
    2-8  plans; now, therefore, be it
    2-9        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-10  hereby commend the Austin Division of the Casey Family Program for
   2-11  its superior service and express appreciation for its many
   2-12  contributions to the community; and, be it further
   2-13        RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
   2-14  agency as a token of esteem from the Texas Legislature.