Christina F. Rector

This prevention plan outlines the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' (DFPS) strategy to implement the Title IV-E prevention program under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). The Texas Family First (TFF) Pilot Program focuses on strengthening parental capacity to ensure child safety and reduce the need for foster care. Key components include providing evidence-based mental health, substance abuse prevention, and in-home parent skill-based programs, supported by continuous quality improvement, workforce training, and inter-agency collaboration, with the overarching goal of improving child and family well-being.

The agenda focuses on receiving a commissioner's update and reviewing committee work, specifically regarding research and analysis conducted by the University of Texas at Arlington and surveys. The committee will also engage in report planning, hold an executive session to discuss specific cases under review, and consider any resulting action items.

This Transition Strategic Plan outlines the roadmap for achieving the implementation of Community-Based Care (CBC) by preparing communities to deliver community-driven foster care services. The plan is structured around three primary goals: establishing a structured planning approach for the transition of Texas children and family services, collaborating with stakeholders for sustainable transition to community-driven care, and supporting Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs) through improved communication, outreach, and partnerships. It aims to enhance accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, customer service, and transparency in the transition process.

The strategic plan for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthening services, supporting its workforce, modernizing operations, and advancing a community-driven system of care for children, families, and vulnerable adults across Texas. Grounded in principles of accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and excellence in customer service, the plan focuses on five key goals: Client-Centered Services, Workforce Recruitment, Retention, and Development, Effective and Efficient Operations, Community Relations, and Community-Based Care. It aims to improve outcomes and build a more responsive and sustainable agency.

This document is a Self-Evaluation Report for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, detailing its mission, objectives, and operational functions. Key areas of focus include protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation through Statewide Intake, Child Protective Investigations, Child Protective Services, Community-Based Care, and Adult Protective Services. The report highlights recent legislative changes from the 88th and 89th sessions impacting foster care, client safety, workforce, and technology, alongside historical context, policymaking structure, funding, and performance metrics aimed at continuous quality improvement and creating a safer, stronger Texas.