Along with numerous bills to expand benefits for children in the foster care system, the Legislature passed a budget that provides a three percent increase in reimbursement payments for foster parents.

In Texas, more than 25,000 children are in state custody, 6,000 of whom are eligible for adoption. Research has demonstrated numerous benefits for children who are placed in the care of a relative, and several bills were passed this session to encourage such placement.

In addition to the pay increase for foster parents, kinship providers who are eligible to receive permanency care benefits will now receive monthly payments from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), as established by Senate Bill 2080. The bill also allows for reimbursement of up to $2,000 in non-recurring expenses incurred by a kinship provider while obtaining permanent managing conservatorship of a child.

Senate Bill 1723 requires DFPS to develop informational manuals for voluntary caregivers providing temporary care for children who are the subject of an investigation by the agency. The manuals must include information about the caregiver's role and how to obtain any documentation necessary to provide for the child's needs.

A new set of challenges appears when youth transition out of the foster care system at age 18, many lacking the resources and experience needed to live on their own, such as managing a bank account or obtaining housing and employment. Research shows a high risk of negative outcomes for these children, including poverty, homelessness, or incarceration.

Although DFPS attempts to prepare foster children for adult living, improvements are needed. House Bill 1912 lowers the age for transitional living services from 16 to 14 and requires DFPS to assess each youth's individual needs. The agency must develop a plan to ensure youth receive the documents they need to live independently, such as driver's licenses, identification cards, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.

Youth leaving foster care may also need additional time and support before realizing the benefits of higher education. For this reason, Senate Bill 43 extends the maximum age from 21 to 25 for a student who has been in foster care to enroll in an institution of higher education and receive a tuition and fee exemption. The bill also encourages foster children to participate in dual credit programs in high school.

To assess the many other needs and challenges within Texas' foster care system, House Bill 2225 establishes an adoption review committee, which will work with DFPS over the next two years to perform an extensive review of the system.

Thousands of Texas children await a loving home. While these bills reflect the Legislature's commitment to protecting foster children, more must be done to encourage adoption and kinship care placements. If you are interested in learning about foster care, kinship care, or adoption, helpful resources may be found at www.dfps.state.tx.us.

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Emphasis added by H4K Editor