January 13, 2011

The 82^nd Texas Legislative session starts this week and next two years will likely bring dramatic changes for many of Texas’ children.  Two critical issues will have tremendous impact on how Texas cares for our abused and neglected children.

Critical issue #1 involves how the state budget deficit is resolved.  Recent Comptroller reports put the deficit at around $27 billion.  Steps taken to balance the budget are almost certain to impact services to abused and neglected children and initial plans eliminate the majority of Prevention and Early Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Family and Protective Services.  Over 60,000 children were served in these programs in 2009 and when prevention programs end, families have few places to turn for help, and children get hurt.  TDFPS is determined not lower foster care rates, which is important, but the ending of prevention programs will make it hard for families to find early help and will eventually lead to increased demands for more expensive services.

Critical issue #2 involves plans to completely redesign the foster care system.  State leaders, with feedback from a strong advisory group, aim to launch a statewide restructuring of most residential services in child welfare.  If these plans are designed well, the new system could provide exciting opportunities for providers to develop creative and evidence-supported approaches to healing children from trauma and more quickly finding permanent families to care for them.  The success of these efforts will depend heavily on how the reform is designed, how it is funded, and how effectively the state and partner agencies can work together to develop the resources needed for children to grow up in a safe, nurturing home.

ACH is actively involved with our state association and efforts in Austin to help children and families.  As the session develops, I will continue to discuss these events, and more right here.  For now, buckle your seat belts.

Wayne Carson, PhD

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