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Listen to thisTEXAS
With more than 7 million children, Texas has the second-largest child population in the nation – one that is, by itself, larger than the total populations of 37 individual states. This creates enormous challenges for Texas, including an extra responsibility to provide for and protect children and youth who, through no fault of their own, end up in the state’s custody due to abuse or neglect.
While the child protection system in Texas has sometimes struggled to protect these children, Texas CASA and other child welfare advocacy groups have been working for several years with state leaders and the Legislature to improve the system. To prepare for the 84th legislative session, the Texas CASA Public Policy team worked hard for two years and developed an ambitious agenda emphasizing positive change to the child protection system, with key initiatives in the areas of funding, education and “normalcy.”
I am happy to report that we made major advances in policy and funding that should positively affect children and youth in the system. These advances could not have been accomplished without Gov. Greg Abbott, who made child protection and the safety of children involved with Child Protective Services a priority. Support from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus helped create positive systemic change and increase state funding across the system.
Thank you, state leaders, for your desire to improve the child protection system. Our appreciation also goes out to our partners, including Texans Care for Children, TexProtects, One Voice Texas, Upbring and NASW Texas. Together, we supported key legislation, including:
SB 1407, the “normalcy” bill, which will increase foster children’s ability to participate in “normal” age-appropriate childhood activities by shifting decision-making rights from state caseworkers to foster parents or other caregivers and protecting them from liability.
Vicki Spriggs
5 July 2015
