The problems with the foster care system in Texas are well-documented and far-reaching. Anyone who has spent time in the care system in the state of Texas will be well aware of these issues.
There is a laundry list of issues that need fixing. These include:
- Foster homes are not screened well
- Children’s case workers are overloaded and don’t have time to get to know the children that they are responsible for
- Reports of abuse are often ignored
Funding is, of course, an issue, but an increase in funds is not on the agenda. New legislation has been brought into place, or rather, is due to be implemented in order to shake things up.
However, the state of Texas is fighting implementing these new policies. This is despite them being recommended by experts assigned by a federal judge.
The overhaul of the system was deemed necessary by district judge Janis Graham Jack. The state has raised objections against claims that children under its care have been treated in a way that is unconstitutional. They claim that there has been a lack of expert testimony and viable evidence to support these accusations.
The trial came as a result of allegations filed by New York-based group Children’s Rights. It has involved testimony from those that have been in the care system. Children’s Rights have gone on record as saying that they approve of the changes that are set to be implemented, which include a ban on children staying in state offices.
What is clear from this case is that there are still issues with the care system in Texas. The state seems reluctant to take action to try and solve these issues. Until Texas takes responsibility for the young people who end up in the care system we can expect to hear reports of children being abused.
#Texas objects to recommended #FosterCare changes https://t.co/tsKXL10TKq
— CBSDFW (@CBSDFW) November 23, 2016
Featured Image by Bruce Tuten via Flickr under a CC BY-2.0 license
