Service Provider Selection Process

Providing meaningful life-affirming pregnancy support services requires that individuals are available to listen to the concerns of women in crisis and to provide them with non-judgmental support. The quality of the services provided to women is of utmost importance to Texas Pregnancy Care Network.

This dedication to quality service is reflected in the Texas Pregnancy Care Network Service Provider Selection Process. Once an organization expresses interest in becoming a Service Provider, it is asked to submit information to start a thorough evaluation process.

As a preliminary step, potential service providers must submit documentation showing that they:

• are a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 tax exempt status
• maintain a pro-life mission and agree not to promote, refer, or counsel in favor of abortion or abortifacients as an option to a crisis or unplanned pregnancy
• have a minimum of one year of experience in providing core pregnancy support services to women in crisis pregnancies
• do not charge a fee for services to eligible clients
• are nondiscriminatory
• agree not to promote the teaching or philosophy of any religion while providing services to the client

The evaluation process only begins there. If these preliminary requirements are met, TPCN next requests the organization to provide additional documentation regarding its operations, including the following:

• a copy of the IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt determination letter
• a copy of the Corporate Articles of Incorporation and Amendments filed with the State of Texas Secretary of State
• a copy of the Corporate Bylaws
• a copy of the organization's Policies and Procedures manual, which must include policies to ensure client confidentiality, non-discrimination, and expression of client grievances
• information about its Board of Directors or equivalent governing body to ensure accountability and oversight
• counselor/mentor and volunteer training materials
• proof of general liability insurance for sites where services are rendered, as well as automobile and workers' compensation insurance

Texas Pregnancy Care Network reviews this information to ensure that the organization provides quality pregnancy support services. If the above and additional criteria are met, TPCN inspects the physical sites, which must be handicapped accessible or have the capability to make special provisions for persons with disabilities. After the site visit, a written evaluation is prepared by Texas Pregnancy Care Network and reviewed at several levels.

TPCN will not give final approval to an organization if certain other requirements to ensure quality services are not met. For example, TPCN does not approve of misleading or deceptive practices in advertising or in services descriptions, the use of graphic or offensive images of aborted fetuses, or the use of any other client educational material that is non-compassionate, judgmental, or political. These are just several of the many practices that TPCN scrutinizes and prohibits prior to signing a contract with a potential service provider.

Once a Service Provider is added to the Network, Texas Pregnancy Care Network monitors compliance with all program requirements.