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SUMMARY AGENDA FOR THE 79TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION
ISSUE 1: The increase in incidents of child abuse and neglect in Texas is overwhelming the CPS system
RECOMMENDATION #1: Restore and expand the most proven, cost-effective Prevention Programs
with emphasis on early intervention programs such as:
In-home visitation programs
Parent training and parent support groups
Self-protection programs for children.
ISSUE 2: Limited safety of abused and neglected children entering the CPS System:
RECOMMENDATION #2: Increase stability of workforce - Reduce CPS Worker Caseloads.
CPS should become accredited with the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family
Services such that caseloads are reduced to 12-17 cases per worker from current average
caseload of 26 cases per worker over the next decade.
Reinstate the successful Training Academy Pilot Project which reduced turnover
by 20% in one year and expand the pilot to the other 4 regions.
Increase Caseworker Quality, Skill and Experience: Build “Institutional Memory” of the workforce.
ISSUE 3: Low Standards for Recruitment and Inadequate Training:
RECOMMEMDATION #3: Increase Recruitment and Improve Training
Revamp training academy curriculum.
Require continuing education credits for workers.
Recruit workers with personality, education and background for differing job roles.
Build more University-Agency Training Partnerships for internships.
Focus recruitment of bilingual and bicultural workers.
Support supervisors with targeted pay increases.
Provide trauma counseling and support for front-line workers.
ISSUE 4: Inappropriate Initial and Subsequent Placement Decisions for Abused Children
RECOMMENDATION #4: Ensure collateral child placement decision makers, including judges and guardian ad litems are trained in child abuse issues.
Child abuse issues and child development should be separate and distinct training
required of Judge’s family violence judicial instruction.
Child Guardian Ad Litems should also receive mandatory training.
ISSUE 5: Facilitate the best outcomes for children by increasing best-fit placements.
RECOMMENDATION #5A: Develop state of the art tracking system
Provide workers with enhanced electronic Database Tracking System so that
no child falls through the cracks and a family that moves can be found more expediently.
RECOMMENDATION #5B: Improve timely, most appropriate and permanent placements for removed children
Facilitate Kinship Care.
Reduce Placement breakdowns with improved initial assessments.
Facilitate adoption of CPS children. |
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