Omnibus CPS Reform Bill: Senate Bill 11

Leading members in the Texas Senate have introduced Senate Bill 11, which is likely to be the omnibus CPS reform bill that comes out of the Senate this session. There are a number of significant provisions in SB 11 that Texas CASA supports, including our efforts to consolidate all abuse and neglect investigations under CPS. All of these provisions continue to be discussed, and there will be substantial changes as the bill progresses.

The issues that have proven to be most controversial in SB 11 are proposed changes to outsource or privatize all, or virtually all, case management responsibilities by contractors under foster care redesign. As currently understood, CPS would no longer have a conservatorship caseworker overseeing a child, their plan of service, their placement and service options, and the oversight of legal aspects of their case, including court reports and permanency recommendations. This is a far-reaching change that could affect all parties in a case. Texas CASA and other advocates and interested groups are working to better understand this proposal.

It is important to note that this proposal would only affect cases in foster care redesign areas. Under foster care redesign, a single contractor is responsible for placement and care for all children from the region they serve. There is only one active foster care redesign contractor now, in region 3B covering Tarrant County and six surrounding counties – but a second contract is currently in process for DFPS Region 2, and the legislature will expand the number of areas served by an unknown number this session.

State leaders believe this change will improve services and coordination, and eliminate unnecessary duplication. Nevertheless, there are a number of unanswered questions as to how this new system would function and whether it will provide sufficient safeguards to assure that the best interests of children are protected and served in the absence of a CPS caseworker.

Texas CASA will continue to work on this issue and will inform the CASA network as decisions are made.

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