GOVERNMENT Montgomery County foster placements reach 10-year low
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
DECREASING PLACEMENTS The number of children placed in foster care annually has reached a 10-year low in Montgomery County, in the region and in Texas.
According to 2022 data released by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services in February, Montgomery County recorded the lowest number of children placed in foster care in 10 years following a number of statewide and local measures focused on quality of foster care and proper placements. According to the Feb. 28 report from DFPS, the Houston region has the fourth-highest rate of foster child placements in the state, with 4,967 as of 2022. However, the report shows a decrease since 2018, when it recorded the second-highest rate with 8,134 foster children in state care. The number of foster children in state care in Montgomery County has fallen to 518, which is also a 10-year low. Leshia Fisher, Child Protective Services Region 6 director who over- sees operations in Harris County and the surrounding 12-county area, said she believes the decrease is a result of alternative response programs implemented in 2021. “Alternative response lets child protective investigations handle cases of abuse or neglect that initially present with less immediate safety or risk issues in a more exible way— engaging families while still focusing on the safety of the children,” Fisher said. Another component to the alterna- tive response program is providing more education in trauma-informed care, which Fisher said has been a collaborative e ort between CPS, Court Appointed Special Advocates and courts to identify problem areas
LOCAL RESOURCES Several organizations provide support for foster children and families navigating the court system. Angel Reach 900 W. Dallas St., Conroe 936-202-8498 www.angelreach.org Angel Reach is a faith-based nonpro t organization that works with young adults ages 16-24 who have aged out of the foster care system.
Child Protective Services Region 6
Montgomery County
Texas
35,000 0 40,000 50,000 45,000 55,000
4,500 0 5,500 7,500 6,500 8,500
0 500 550 600 650 700
697
50,846
8,134
4,967
518
36,737
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMUNITY IMPACT
neglect requiring removal of children from homes. “The change in the Legislature has raised the requirements for removing children from the home, and so we have been increasing education with our community partners for identify- ing and helping children who may be in those situations,” Ronsman said. However, Fisher said e orts to place children with other family members has allowed the agency to ensure quality of care while decreas- ing the number of children in foster homes. Local agencies focused on providing community-based care are still seeing increased needs, but are fostering more collaboration between local communities to provide care. “This is allowing the community to come together, and instead of the state being the parents, the commu- nities are able to come together and meet the needs,” said Debi Tengler, chief relations o cer for Arrow Child and Family Ministries.
in investigations. “When the courts and caregivers use an evidence-based philosophy, it helps to improve the outcomes that you’re looking for,” Fisher said. Local agencies such as CASA are court-appointed advocates which work with children to ensure they have voices in the legal process, while other Montgomery County agencies such as Hope’s Path o er post-foster care support to children who have aged out of the system without support. “More collaboration between parenting groups, the juvenile court systems and school districts helps ensure positive outcomes are avail- able for our children,” Fisher said. However, Ann Marie Ronsman, president of CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, said she believes the drop in cases is due to legislative changes. For example, House Bill 567, which was signed into law in 2021, raised the threshold for
Arrow Child & Family Ministries 25700 I-45 N., Ste. 415, Spring
346-328-4840 www.arrow.org
The nonpro t organization is funded in part by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County 505 N. Main St., Conroe 936-441-5437 www.casaspeaks4kids.com CASA are court-appointed advocates who work with children to ensure they have voices in the legal process.
Hope’s Path 28918 S. Plum Creek Drive, Spring, 281-465-8121
Hope’s Path o ers post-foster care support to children who have aged out of the system. SOURCES: ANGEL REACH, ARROW, CASA, HOPE’S PATH COMMUNITY IMPACT
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MAY 2023
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