Our Child Protection Work Focuses On

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE AT HOME

A robust network of support programs coupled with a strong CPS workforce with manageable staff caseloads can prevent children from facing neglect and other unsafe situations at home, the trauma of removal from their families, and the challenges of the foster care system.

CHILD SAFETY AND SUCCESS IN FOSTER CARE AND BEYOND

When the state does remove children from their homes, they need safe and stable placements, an opportunity to safely reunite with their families if possible, and support to be healthy and successful both while they remain in foster care and after they age out of the system.

ENDING RACIAL DISPARITIES

We must end racial disparities in every stage of the CPS system system, including removals from families and the experiences of children in foster care.

THE INTERSECTION OF CHILD PROTECTION AND OTHER ISSUES

Efforts to improve child protection in Texas must include the health and nutrition of children in foster care, coordination of efforts to serve youth dually involved in the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system, and supports to ensure foster youth are successful in school.

 

Our Latest on Child Protection

SEE ALL OUR RESOURCES ON CHILD PROTECTION →

 

Additional Resources

Our June 2023 report on child protection issues from the 2023 legislative session

Our January 2023 policy brief on ways the Legislature can leverage the Family First Act to keep more children safely with their families and out of foster care

Our March 2022 memo to state leaders on implementing the recommendations of the Expert Panel in the ongoing foster care lawsuit

Our October 2021 memo to legislators about responding to the state’s perpetual foster care crisis

Our July 2021 legislative recap on child protection

Our September 2020 blog on racial disparities and disproportionality in the Texas CPS system.

Our July 2020 op-ed on child deaths in foster care

Our January 2020 policy brief about how early childhood advocates can leverage the Family First Act

Our September 2019 one-pager on the Family First Act and Texas

Our 2019 legislative recap on child protection policy

Our April 2019 policy brief on parental substance use in Texas CPS cases

Our February 2019 policy brief on CPS and foster care opportunities this session

Our April 2018 report on teen pregnancy in foster care

Our 2018 brief on substance use among pregnant women and new moms

Our 2017 legislative recap on child protection policy

Our work on Child Protection is led by:Kate Murphy Senior Child Welfare Policy Associate kmurphy@txchildren.org @K8MurphysLaw

Our work on Child Protection is led by:

Kate Murphy
Director of Child Protection Policy
[email protected]
@K8MurphysLaw