Texans have an opportunity between now and the end of April to share their thoughts on several state agencies that provide critical services for children and families.
As part of the state’s regular review process, the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission is currently evaluating several agencies that oversee services for children and families, including:
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
Sunset reviews help lawmakers understand how agencies are operating and identify ways to make their programs more effective. Right now, Sunset staff are inviting input from the public to inform that evaluation.
This is a chance for families, providers, advocates, and community members to share their experiences with these agencies and the programs they administer — what’s working, what isn’t, and where changes could make services more effective.
For example, you might share:
- Your experiences accessing services or navigating eligibility processes
- Challenges you or your organization face when working with state systems
- Ideas for improving coordination, efficiency, or accountability
Our organization is also preparing comments for the Sunset review, including:
- HHSC: We’re calling for improving the customer experience for families enrolling in programs like Medicaid and SNAP and strengthening the state’s response to children’s behavioral health needs.
- DFPS: We’re calling for steps to address gaps in children’s mental health services, ensuring fairness early in CPS cases, and maintaining strong oversight of the community-based foster care system.
- DSHS: We’re calling for strengthening maternal and child health efforts and specifically ensuring DSHS effectively implements new state investments to reduce congenital syphilis.
You can submit comments to the Sunset Advisory Commission through the end of April here.
Additional details on the process and how to participate are available on the Sunset website.
