Coalition for Empowering Children & Families - CECF

09/06/2026

New federal guidance is “important and potentially historic,” according to one longtime advocate for adopted children’s rights.

09/06/2026

Sarah loves dogs, music and manicures. She's looking for her forever family. adoptchildren.org 📹https://ow.ly/H3Rl50ZHZNf

09/06/2026

Childcare assistance, funded by the federal government with help from states, is supposed to aid working parents who are low-income, homeless or caring for foster children. But waitlists have ballooned since 2023, when eight states had them, according to the AP analysis. Click on the link to learn how this is affecting parents.
Via AP

09/04/2026

COURTHOUSE UPDATE - The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen to the public on Friday, September 4. Temporary entrances have been established for the public and county employees while the courthouse’s main entrance remains closed.

After assessing the building and consulting with engineers, county officials have determined that the courthouse can now safely reopen to the public. The damaged main entrance will remain closed while repairs are underway.

Members of the public can access the courthouse property from N. Closner Blvd. or S. 12th Ave. and follow along the walkway on the north side of the courthouse to the temporary entrance on the west side of the building. A map attached to this release has the designated route and access shown in red. The public must enter through the temporary public entrance identified by the red star.

The courthouse will resume regular operating hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Friday. Court operations and other county services housed within the courthouse will also resume.

For the public’s convenience, the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office will continue to provide marriage license services at its temporary location at the County Clerk’s Records Management Facility, 317 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. Residents can also use this location to drop off and pick up documents that need to be recorded.

For questions for the County Clerk’s Office call the following numbers:

General County Clerk & Recording Information Line: 956-318-2100
Marriage License Information Line: 956-292-7634

Hidalgo County appreciates the patience and cooperation of employees and the public during this time.

09/03/2026

Another great resource from Easterseals Rio Grande Valley for parents and caregivers.

Little Steps, Big Success: Toilet Learning for Children with Disabilities is a free virtual workshop focused on recognizing a child’s readiness, developing consistent routines, using visual and communication supports, and adapting toilet learning strategies to meet each child’s individual needs.

The workshop will be held Friday, September 4, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Please see the flyer for registration information and feel free to share with families who may benefit.

09/03/2026

Happy to share this upcoming free support group from Easterseals Rio Grande Valley for parents, caregivers, and expectant mothers.

Triumph Over Trauma provides a supportive space to connect with others, share experiences, and learn healthy ways to cope with difficult or overwhelming situations. Sessions will be offered in person in McAllen and via Zoom beginning September 23.

Please see the flyer for dates, registration information, and additional details. Feel free to share with anyone who may benefit.

09/03/2026

08/31/2026

‼️COURTHOUSE CLOSURE UPDATE‼️

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will remain closed Tuesday, Sept. 1, as officials continue assessing damage caused by Sunday night’s vehicle crash.

Employees, jurors and members of the public scheduled to report to the courthouse should not report unless they receive specific instructions from the appropriate county office or court.

The safety of our employees and the public remains our highest priority.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

08/31/2026

PRESS RELEASE - Hidalgo County Courthouse Closed Monday Following Vehicle Crash

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will be closed Monday, August 31, after a vehicle crashed into the front entrance of the building, causing extensive damage to the entrance and front doors.

County officials are conducting a preliminary structural assessment of the courthouse and evaluating the extent of the damage. The courthouse will remain closed while officials determine when it will be safe to reopen the building to employees and the public.

County officials are also coordinating with judicial leadership regarding court operations, scheduled hearings and jury proceedings impacted by the closure.

Employees, jurors and members of the public who were scheduled to report to the courthouse Monday should not report to the building. Additional information regarding court and jury schedules will be provided as it becomes available.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation with the Edinburg Police Department.

Hidalgo County will provide an update on courthouse operations and reopening plans as soon as more information is available.