Erica Bañuelos

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.

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Annual Plan for 2026, titled "Empowering, Strengthening, and Supporting Families," outlines the agency's vision to foster safe children and adults, strong families, and stronger communities in Texas. The plan is built upon three core goals: strengthening families through engagement, services, and support; developing and refining case management services; and transforming its workforce and infrastructure to enable better outcomes. These priorities collectively aim to deliver responsive, equitable, and effective support to the populations served.

This implementation plan outlines the Texas Community-Based Care (CBC) system, detailing the state's transition to a community-provider model for child welfare. Key goals include improving child placements with siblings and in home communities, increasing school retention, and reducing time and movement within foster care, ultimately creating sustainable service continuums across Texas. The plan addresses staged implementation, statewide rollout, intervention strategies, roles, responsibilities, training, procurement, funding, and contract oversight, aiming to enhance the delivery of services for children and families in foster care.