Dan Adams

President's Message

As many of you know, the Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) was called to Eldorado, Texas to remove children from the Yearning for Zion Ranch operated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. When the compound was taken by law enforcement, CPS took custody of over 450 children and set up temporary care arrangements in San Angelo, Texas.

In early April Cal Farley’s was asked by the state to assist in providing temporary placement for some of the boys removed from the compound. In keeping with our Mission to provide services to children and families, we took in 72 of these boys at Boys Ranch.

Since this began many of our supporters have asked questions regarding how we are handling the costs associated with care of these and other children, and about the nature of the financial relationship between Cal Farley’s and the state of Texas. Please allow me to take this opportunity to address these concerns.

We are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and have a “No Pay” agreement with them for the care of children in the custody of the state. Among the reasons for this arrangement is the fact that we have never accepted fees or “daily rates” for the care of children regardless of legal guardianship. This has been to ensure that the needs and best interests of children are never secondary to financial issues.

This is a value has served us well and is one we have consistently communicated over the years. It is clearly stated in our annual report, brochures, letterhead and on our website. We have made no provisions or exceptions based on who has legal custody of the children or the circumstances under which they came into our care, and we feel compelled to maintain this position even under these extraordinary circumstances.

Though the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services offered to enter into a “For Pay” contractual agreement relative to the 72 children from Eldorado, I declined that offer, preferring an agreement of reimbursement only of unanticipated expenses that fell outside of those typically associated with the basic care of children.

The financial integrity of this organization is sound. While it is true that we have had more children than we had originally budgeted for, our donors have been amazing, and because of that, we continue to forge ahead.

Everyone associated with Cal Farley’s can take pride in the fact that we have thousands of alumni from almost every state in the U.S. and we are currently serving almost 400 children in care from 27 different states. It is my privilege to serve alongside an exceptional staff of professionals who consistently provide the highest quality of care possible each and every day.

So, the journey Cal Farley began almost 70 years ago continues. Thanks for your continued support of the children we care for at Cal Farley’s – it matters more than you will ever know.

Thank you for your support. If we can help you in any way, please call our Donor Services representatives at 800-687-3722 or write us at Cal Farley's, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174-0001.

Sincerely,
Dan Adams, President and CEO (Biography)