AUSTIN – In October of last year, I charged the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with addressing child abuse and neglect within our state’s foster care system, improving services for children with complex health needs and strengthening adoptions. Today’s public hearing outlined the significant challenges that our foster care system faces.

Last session, the Texas legislature increased funding for Child Protective Services by $230 million, and enacted a number of reforms through the Sunset process. In addition to the critical work already underway in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I also will be working alongside members of the legislature and agency officials to engage the faith-based community in addressing this problem.

I want to thank Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Charles Schwertner for examining ways to address challenges with the foster care system to better protect Texas children.