Texas Reports 12% Reduction Of Children With I/DD In Congregate Care Settings Over Past Year

Between August 31, 2020, and February 28, 2021, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) reported housing about 12% fewer children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), aged 0 to 17 years, in institutions serving more than four persons, excluding home- and community-based service (HCS) group homes. The number of children with I/DD in institutional settings (excluding HCS group homes) declined from 440 in August 2020 to 387 in February 2021.

The state implemented permanency planning in 2002. A permanency plan allows Texas children to receive family support in a permanent living arrangement with an enduring . . .