“Additional resources must be precisely targeted on the problem of retention”

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the release of the Senate Finance Committee Workgroup on Child Protection recommendations regarding critical needs funding for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS):

“I commend Chairman Charles Schwertner and the Senate Finance Committee Workgroup on Child Protection for their quick response and hard work. Their plan outlines the immediate steps that need to be taken to make sure that children at the highest risk for abuse and neglect are seen immediately and protected from harm. The additional resources provided to DFPS under this plan are precisely targeted toward addressing the immediate critical needs of Child Protective Services (CPS), including improving retention of effective caseworkers and increasing the number of special investigators and investigative caseworkers to ensure children are seen in a timely manner.

“Nothing is more important than protecting the children of Texas. That is why I stepped up immediately and asked Senate Finance Chairman Jane Nelson to develop a plan. The production of this plan is a very important step and I look forward to working with Chairman Nelson and the House of Representatives to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.”