From Texastribune · · 1m 30s
Texas ends court monitoring of foster care system
Texas state officials argue $320 million spent on foster care reforms since 2019 means federal oversight should end.
In brief
Texas state officials argue $320 million spent on foster care reforms since 2019 means federal oversight should end. Texas claims $320 million spent on foster care reforms since 2019 proves the state no longer needs federal court monitoring for the system. Originally reported by Texastribune.
State officials testify
Texas state officials testified Tuesday that over $320 million has been spent on court-ordered improvements to the foster care system since 2019.
Reforms claimed permanent
Audrey O’Neill, commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, called reforms substantial and permanent.
Funding breakdown
Of the $320 million spent since 2019, $66 million went to federal court monitors and $254 million to worker training and staffing.
Private contractors used
About 61% of Texas foster care children are in the care of private companies since 2017 reforms.
EMPOWER contractor terminated
Texas terminated EMPOWER, its largest private foster care contractor, after it failed to improve child care management in Dallas and seven other counties.
Staffing issues persist
EMPOWER’s staffing problems continued after master caseworkers were sent to help, leading to a second child death in March.
State legal team pushes for closure
State attorneys led by Allyson Ho have overturned contempt sanctions and removed the judge overseeing the case for antagonistic behavior.
New center for youth
The state launched a $35 million Terrell Center for Youth to treat traumatized foster care youth with higher needs.
What matters most
Texas claims $320 million spent on foster care reforms since 2019 proves the state no longer needs federal court monitoring for the system.
