Follow Up with Legislators

Subject: Support HB 194 – Strengthen Families and Transform Foster Care

Dear [Legislator’s Name],

I am reaching out to urge your support for HB 194, the Sound of Hope Act, which will empower churches and faith-based organizations to play a greater role in addressing the orphan crisis.

Right now, thousands of children in Texas are waiting for a safe, loving home, yet unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic hurdles prevent willing families—many from church communities—from fostering and adopting. HB 194 creates a clear, parallel path for churches to engage in child placement efforts, working alongside the state to ensure more children find forever families.

Beyond just placement, this bill is critical in bridging the gap for children who lack lasting connections and resources. HB 194 will allow for the creation of faith families that stay connected to foster children even after their case is closed. This continuity of relationships will reduce the number of severed bonds in a child’s life, lowering the risk of recidivism in foster care and breaking the generational cycle of instability. For the first time, these children will experience healthy family attachments rather than repeated broken ones, giving them the foundation they need to thrive.

For centuries, faith communities have been at the forefront of caring for orphans, and this bill allows them to continue that mission without unnecessary restrictions. By removing barriers and allowing churches to step up, we can increase the number of available families, reduce the strain on the foster care system, and give more children the stability they deserve.

I urge you to vote YES on HB 194 and stand with us in ensuring that faith-based communities have the ability to make a real difference. Together, we can provide children with the lifelong connections and love they need to heal and succeed.

Thank you for your time and leadership on this crucial issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]