State Representative James White along with Republican Members of the Texas House showed their commitment to providing the necessary reform to Child Protective Services (CPS) by approving House Bill (HB) 4, which provides additional monetary assistance for family members who care for a child who has been removed from his or her home, and HB 5, which makes the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) a stand-alone agency with a Commissioner appointed by the Governor.
“Protecting children and providing them the safety they need is one of my highest priorities. I am thankful for the work the House has done to push this legislation,” Rep. White said. “I was proud to sign on as a co-author of HB 4 and will continue to push legislation that ensures the safety and well-being of our Texas children.”
Improving Texas’ child protection capabilities is the House’s top emergency item this session. Taken together, HB 4 and 5 are an important first step in the Texas Legislature’s commitment to protecting Texas’ children and providing the best quality of life possible for children who need it most. As House Republicans continue to work to protect children throughout the 85th Legislative Session, House staff said they are confident that providing additional aid to families and caregivers and reforming the state agency tasked with offering support services will dramatically improve the state foster care system and protect these vulnerable children.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, or Shawn Dunn, District Director, with questions at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.
