Are you a youth currently in foster care, or a young adult formerly in foster care? If so, you're invited to take part in a discussion on reproductive health outcomes for youth in foster care.
Good — and Not So Good — Children's Bills on the Move
The Legislature Moves into the Final Stage of Budget Decisions for Texas Kids
Where Key Kids’ Issues Stand in the House Budget Plan
Oppose HB 3859 Regarding Children Served by Faith-Based Foster Care Providers
Testimony to the House Committee on State Affairs
HB 3859 has 3 provisions aimed at ensuring children’s rights are protected. However, we are concerned that HB 3859 could be interpreted to limit children’s rights or hurt a child’s well-being based on a provider’s religious beliefs. We recommend 2 changes to ensure HB 3859 will not allow providers to discriminate against children for religious reasons.
Statement on Senate Budget Bill
Update on Key Children's Bills at the Legislature
CPS Bills Moving Fast (Maybe Too Fast)
Testimony on HB 6
Testimony to the House Committee on Human Services
We support expanding community-based foster care. However, that expansion must proceed with caution and clarity. To reach that goal, we support strengthening HB 6 provisions regarding the timeline for expanding community-based care, oversight, qualifications of an SSCC, rate setting, contingency plans, and contract compliance. We look forward to working with the author and the Committee to address these issues and ensure next steps in community foster care are in the best interests of children.
Deep Concerns Regarding the Across-the-Board Cut in the Senate Budget
Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee
We urge the Committee to withdraw the across-the-board cut contained in Article IX of the Senate budget and consider each program’s funding needs on a case-by-case basis. The proposed $1 billion cut would undermine the state’s efforts to improve child protection. It would lead to Medicaid cuts far in excess of the controversial therapy rate cuts for children with disabilities. It would also make it harder to reach full funding for the new pre-k grant program and other services that are critical to the success of children.