Progress on CPS funding, suspensions in early grades, postpartum depression, and more, but big disappointments too.
Support HB 1521: Ensuring the Success of Youth Involved with CPS & Justice Systems
Testimony to the House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.
The limited coordination and data sharing between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems results in costly, and sometimes counterproductive, duplication of services and worse outcomes for youth. To improve effectiveness and efficiency, Texas must improve information sharing between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.
Good — and Not So Good — Children's Bills on the Move
Broad Support for "Raising the Age" as House Prepares to Vote
Raise the Age: 17-Year-Olds in the Criminal Justice System
Suspensions & Expulsions in Early Grades
Update on Key Children's Bills at the Legislature
Support HB 122: Raise the Age of Juvenile Court Jurisdiction
Growing Support for Holding 17-Year-Olds Accountable in the Juvenile Justice System, Not the Adult System
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.