At the start of the Texas legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott made reforms to the state's ailing foster care system a priority and, now that the session is over, groups that work with the abused are giving lawmakers a passing grade.
Marta Pelaez, who runs San Antonio's Battered Women's and Children's Shelter says for too long, the state has separated the abuse of kids and the abuse of adults. This session, lawmakers changed that by strengthening the bonds between CPS and helper agencies.
"With the legislature advancing the policy and providing the resources so that cps and do a compressive work with families... its music to my ears," she tells Newsradio 1200 WOAI.
One of the more significant bills passed this session, when it comes to the care of children, is House Bill 7, which impacts every aspect of a legal case involving parents, children, and the Child Protective Services system. It requires CPS and the family court system to provide additional consideration to what is in the best interest of the children, and tasks the Department of Family and Protective Services to periodically search for potential family or kinship placements for children in foster care. State Senator Carlos Uresti of San Antonio was the co-author.
"When a family becomes involved with CPS, they deserve fair treatment and due process. The department must also have sufficient tools available to act immediately in those cases when a child is in a truly dangerous situation. House Bill 7 strikes that careful balance, and will ultimately save kids’ lives." he said in a release.
HB 7 also improves coordination of medical services for children in the foster care system, and strengthens the role of attorney ad litems and guardian ad litems as legal representatives tasked with advocating on behalf of children in a court proceeding