Since its founding in 1975, TACFS has risen to meet the changing landscape of child and family wellbeing services. As the mission and membership expanded, so did its name—four times, in fact. Each name change reflected our growing understanding of what it means to serve Texas children and families.
TALMAS – Serving the Maternity Home Model (1975-1976)
We began as the Texas Association of Licensed Maternity and Adoption Services (TALMAS). In those days, maternity homes were a primary model for child care, foster care, and adoption services. This name reflected the core of our membership and the services they provided. But as the field expanded to include more diverse approaches, it became clear that “maternity” no longer fully described the scope of the work. The board quickly adapted.
TALCS – Embracing a Broader Mission (1976-1999)
The next and longest chapter for the group was the Texas Association of Licensed Children’s Services (TALCS). This change recognized the broadened scope of child and family wellbeing work in Texas—members were providing foster care, residential services, and family support. In fact, TALCS was a leader on that front. During our tenure as TALCS, you can find testimony at both the state and federal levels that puts the association on the map as a formidable group of caring providers.
TALCFS – Recognizing Leadership in the Field (1999-2002)
The year 1999 brought a short-lived rebrand (again) to Texas Association of Leaders in Children and Family Services (TALCFS). This new name highlighted our members as thought leaders and experts in child welfare. But let’s be honest, that acronym was a mouthful.
TACFS – The Alliance for Today’s Continuum of Care (2002 – Present)
In 2002, we became the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS or TACK-FUSS for those in the know). This name reflected a new era in child welfare, one that acknowledged the growing continuum of care: prevention programs, family support, mental health services, residential treatment, adoption, and beyond. “Alliance” signaled our commitment to bringing providers together, strengthening partnerships, and supporting families through a holistic approach.
What We’ve Learned:
Each name change wasn’t just a rebrand—it reflected how our members’ work was evolving to better serve children and families. As the field has shifted from a narrow model to a broad continuum of care, we adapted to reflect that progress. Today, the same as in 1975, providers across Texas are dedicated to the wellbeing of children and families. Whether you know us as TALMAS, TALCS, or TACFS, the Alliance has remained dedicated to Texas children and families.
(But really… we’re sticking with TACFS this time.)
Did you know that we’re celebrating 50 years of advocacy, education, and collaboration in 2025? As we continue this essential work, give to the Texas Center for Child and Family Services to help raise $50,000 for our 50th anniversary.