Foster Care and Child Welfare Week in Review – June 26, 2023
Here are some news items from last week related to foster care, adoption, and child welfare that caught our eye:
Texas legislators have made significant changes to state agencies responsible for the foster care system and child protective services. The focus has shifted towards reducing the number of children entering state care and preserving families whenever possible. New laws include ending anonymous reporting of child abuse or neglect, providing parents with legal rights and representation during investigations, and requiring caseworkers to document efforts to keep children with their families. While some support these changes, others express concern about balancing family preservation with the need to protect children from abuse. The state has also increased funding for prevention programs and made improvements to support children already in foster care.
During a court hearing, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack criticized Texas officials for their inadequate monitoring of facilities housing foster children. The judge expressed concern that the Health and Human Services Commission prematurely removed facilities from heightened monitoring and failed to adequately investigate violations. Judge Jack previously ruled in 2015 that Texas violated the constitutional rights of foster children, and she has issued orders to improve oversight and investigations into abuse and neglect. Lawyers representing the children have asked the judge to hold the state in contempt for various failures. The hearing highlighted concerns about the state’s regulatory practices and the need for better protection of foster children.
Off-duty police officers hired to provide security for foster children in Texas have been accused of using excessive force, including stun guns, handcuffs, and pepper spray, according to court documents. The state has contracted two companies to provide security services for foster children, costing nearly $30 million over 18 months. Critics argue that the money should be used to find stable housing for the children instead. The state’s child welfare system has faced long-standing scrutiny, and a federal lawsuit claims that Texas’ long-term foster care system leaves children in worse conditions. Recent reports revealed that on average, 96 foster children per night were sleeping in unlicensed facilities due to a lack of available foster beds.
During a tense hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Janis Graham Jack criticized Texas child welfare leaders, accusing them of prioritizing bureaucracy over the well-being of foster children. The hearing focused on the state’s failure to adequately monitor residential centers for foster youth. Jack expressed frustration with the premature removal of facilities from heightened monitoring, despite ongoing violations. She also criticized the state’s investigation practices, citing cases where serious incidents were labeled as minor violations. The judge questioned the state’s commitment to child safety and expressed doubts about their ability to comply with court orders and improve the system.
Sign up for our e-mail updates and social media feeds below to stay informed on challenges and opportunities in our local child welfare system.