Child protection agency planning Sherman expansion

Sherman approved rezoning this vacant lot for use by Texas DFPS. (KTEN)

SHERMAN, Texas -- The mission of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is to promote safe and healthy families and to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The state agency is hoping to expand its missing in Texoma on a property currently owned by Trinity Baptist Church.

"As the population increases, then also the caseload that they're going to take on is going to increase," said Sherman City Council member Shawn Teamann.

The Council recently voted to change the zoning of a residential property at 2607 Loy Lake Road between Lamberth Road and U.S. 82 to commercial office property. The city said DFPS could be the next tenant.

"I think it's an ideal location for them so they can be surrounded by Grayson County and be able to better serve all those families and children that they do serve currently," Grayson County Assistant District Attorney Britton Brooks said.

The planned 18,000 square foot brick office building on the property would also support 65 new parking spaces.

"They're thinking for the future, and being able to better plan for what we're experiencing here currently," Teamann said.

This is a project that city leaders say is beneficial for the entire community.

"Every child needs a good place to live, a good place to learn, love, and support," Brooks said. "Any organization that can help us and help give kids the opportunity is a phenomenal thing for Grayson County."

The current DFPS location in Sherman is at 902 Cottonwood Drive. There's no word on what would happen to that building.