WAITING FOR A HOME
Abuse or neglect can be reported multiple ways and will be investigated by state officials to ensure children are found the most suitable placement. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
The number of children without placement, or CWOP, in Texas has increased since late 2019, leaving them in “last resort,” temporary emergency care until a licensed, permanent placement can be found.
AVERAGE STAY
This is the average number of days it takes for a child to find a permanent placement while in emergency care.
500
Department of Familyand ProtectiveServices receives reports and oversees state agencies that promote safe and healthy families, and protect vulnerable children and adults fromabuse, neglect and exploitation. Abuse can be reported at 800-252- 5400. Areport ismadeof a child in needof services. ChildProtectiveServices is responsible for removal and The child is removed, and investigationbegins. investigations associatedwith reports of abuse of a child. The CPSworker assigned to a casewill alsoworkwith biological families to address reported issues and tomake the home safe for children. Court Appointed Special Advocates interview people in the child’s life, attend court proceedings and aid CPS in finding a placement for the child. CPS officials will continue to manage placement responsibilities. The stateor anonprofit places the child.
15.6
3,850%
From Dec. 2019 to Aug. 2021, the number of CWOP rose by
13.9
18.2
12
400
1
1,037.5%
9.5
The average stay of CWOP from Dec. 2019 to Aug. 2021 increased by over
300
9.9
8.1
5.8
200
6.7
4 6
2.9
3.6
3.5
100
3.5
2.9
3.1
3.5
3.6
2
1.6
2.4
2.3
3.5
2
0
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
it’s a different role, and it’s great, but it doesn’t get me that direct connec- tion that I was always happy to have.” Cano became a volunteer for CASA in 2019 to give back to her community. “We were also at a time in our lives where I felt like we had more to give and I felt like there’s so many kids out there in need,” she said. Cano originally wanted to become a foster parent, but she and her husband knew it would be too difficult for them. CASA advocates receive cases of children who have been removed from their home and, ultimately, the goal is to find the most appropriate placement, Hudson said. However, it is not always possible or can take time. Therefore, arrangements need to be made for children to be in a safe
and stable environment while a more permanent foster or adoptive family can be found. Advocates interview all parties involved in the child’s life, meet with the child at least once a month and attend court hearings to testify on behalf of the child. Cano received her first case in Feb- ruary 2020 and it closed in July 2021. “It was a really favorable outcome,” she said. “…His foster placement was great, which made me happy because
CONTINUED FROM 1
removing the child from the home, if necessary, according to DFPS. From there, it is up to CPS to find an appro- priate placement for the child. CASA volunteers are not a replace- ment but rather an aid to CPS, Hud- son said. On the frontlines Norma Jean Cano worked as an administrator for an early childhood intervention program that aided families of children with medical disabilities. “That was always so rewarding, being able to help at that level,” Cano said. “Fast-forward to today, I’m still in the field of special education. I work with the Texas Education Agency, and
3
Placements:
• Family or kinship • Foster homes • Emergency shelters
4
that’s not always the case.” The problemwith placements
• Fictive kin (other trusted adults in the child’s life that have been approved by officials) • Residential care facilities
Finding placement for a child is only half the battle. As a former child in the foster care system, Rebecca Welch and her husband have dedi- cated space in their home to offer a
SOURCES: COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF CENTRAL TEXAS, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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