[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING AUDREY DECKINGA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Audrey Deckinga on her retirement from Texas Child Protective Services. 
Over her 39 years of service to the Lone Star State, she has shown an 
unwavering commitment to the well-being of our most vulnerable 
citizens.
  Audrey started her journey in the field of child welfare over 30 
years ago as a foster parent. After beginning her professional career 
in CPS as a caseworker in Williamson County in 1988, she rose through 
the ranks over the next 25 years to become the leader of a CPS 
statewide program with over 8,000 staff. She has served as Assistant 
Commissioner since 2009 and has impacted the child welfare arena on 
both state and national levels.
  Under Audrey's advocacy and leadership, more children are served 
safely without a removal from their own homes. Adoptions have increased 
by more than 100%. After exiting the system, children are less likely 
to have a subsequent incident of abuse or neglect or to reenter state 
custody. These achievements bring to life the words of Fred Rogers, one 
of our nation's great champions for children, who said, ``Justice is 
taking care of those who aren't able to take care of themselves.''
  Her work to do right for children doesn't stop at the end of the work 
day. Audrey remains involved in numerous state and national child 
welfare groups where she has developed a reputation as a forward-
thinking supporter of policies that make a lasting difference in the 
lives of children.
  Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a 
career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. I commend Audrey 
Deckinga for her work improving the lives of families in Texas. I wish 
her only the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________