Court Orders Texas To Create An Enhanced Mental Health System With Fewer Out-Of-State Placements For Foster Care Youth

On January 11, 2022, a federal judge gave the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) 90 days to establish plans for a statewide mental health system for youth in foster care. The state also agreed to a 90-day deadline to return children in out-of-state placements to in-state placements. Currently, about 2,000 Texas children in foster care are placed out-of-state.

The court actions are in response to a report by the court monitors that includes the perspectives of an expert panel convened to assess the . . .