understanding our community
Region 3 Community Profile is a 29-page overview of our 19 county community. This downloadable document, presented by the North Texas Foster Care Consortium and The Center for Child and Family Studies, is a profile which provides an insight about the children and families coming into care. Using data provided by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), this profile serves as an informational resource to improve awareness and engagement to support children and families in our region.
North Texas Community-Based Care Environmental Assessment
DFPS REGIONS 3W (NON-CBC) AND 3E (MARCH 2021) This downloadable 290 page report from the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute details the facts and the data of children in care in our 19-county region. The report dives deeply into the facts and data of subsitute care in the areas of capacity, education, mental health, judiciary and more.
Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) – The Single-Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) for the following North Texas counties: Palo Pinto, Parker, Tarrant, Erath, Hood, Somervell and Johnson.
Empower – The Single-Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) for the following North Texas counties: Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Dallas, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, and Navarro.
Community-Based Care (CBC) Resources:
Community-Based Care (CBC) is a re-imagined approach to foster care that gives local communities the flexibility to draw on local strengths and resources and find innovative ways to meet the unique and individual needs of children and their families. CBC includes many of the services that Child Protective Services (CPS) normally provides, including foster care, case management, kinship, and reunification services. For more information, visit the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) CBC Website or visit the resources below to find out how CBC is changing foster care in North Texas.
Printable CBC Infographic for Healthcare Professionals – This new infographic explains Community Based Care as it intersects with healthcare.
Printable CBC Infographic for Educators – This new infographic was designed to assist eductors in understanding Community Based Care and its goals in education.
Printable CBC Infographic for Foster Parents and Kin Caregivers – This new infographic helps foster parents and kinship caregivers better understand what Community Based Care means for them.
DFPS video introduction to CBC This video is an overview of the history of Community Based Care in Texas, why CBC is necessary, how it is implemented across the state and the goals of the CBC.
Office of Community-Based Care Transitions – In 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature, as part of Senate Bill 1896, formally established the Office of Community-Based Care Transition (OCBCT). The Office is administratively attached to DFPS, and along with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), will work together on the statewide implementation of CBC.
OCBCT Implementation Plan for the Texas Community-Based Care System This downloadable 60 page document, developed by the Office of Community-Based Care Transitions, outlines the plan for implementing CBC throughout the state.
Community Based Care Infographic This shareable infographic, created by the Texas Alliance of Children and Family Services is a quick and concise visual explanation of Community-Based Care. (updated February 2024)
Kinship Care Resources:
Navigating Kinship Care in Texas – A legal guide to kinship care, the goal of this guide is to help kinship caregivers—and those who support them—better understand a caregiver’s legal status since this determines what decisions the caregiver can make for the child, eligibility for certain resources, services that might be available, and actions that might be needed to continue or change the legal relationship.
Kinship Legislation Webinar – March 9, 2023 – Here is a replay of the Foster Care Consortium Kinship Legislation Webinar if you were unable to attend or would like to review the webinar.
Kinship Care Infographic – This shareable infographic, created by the North Texas Foster Care Consortium, gives an overview of kinship care in Texas.
Kinship Care Manual – This manual, created by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is provided by Child Protective Services (CPS) to kinship families at the time of placement.
Kinship Options Infographic – This infographic outlines the various options kinship caregivers have when caring for children.
New HHSC Rules to Streamline Kinship Foster Home Licensing– Information on new kinship licensing requirements from Texas CASA: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has officially adopted amended rules in Title 26, Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 745 and 749, updating standards for kinship foster home licensing and verification. The goal of these changes is to make it easier for relatives and close family friends to become licensed (verified) caregivers while maintaining strong safety standards for children in care.
resources from tExas department of family and protective services (DFPS)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – This is the website of the DFPS containing links to all of its services, information and news.
DFPS Education for Children Resource Guide This 16-page guide outlines the rules and guidelines for the education of children in substitute care in Texas.
CPS databook – This webpage contains a variety of data and reports, updated regularly, on children in care, family preservation, conservatorship, placements, adoption and more.
CPS Monthly Data Dashboard – This webpage contains monthly and year-end reports on key metrics such as reporting, investigations, intakes, placements and more.
Family Resources:
Become a Foster/Adoptive Parent (English version) – Provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Become a Foster/Adoptive Parent (Spanish Version) – Provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
How to Become a Foster Parent – Provided by TexProtects, Champions of Safe Children
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Valuable resources and information for parents and caregivers on trauma and traumatic events.
Sesame Street in Communitities – Spotlight on Foster Care has information for adults involved in foster care (English Version)
Sesame Street in Communities – Spotlight on Foster Care has information for adults involved in foster care (Spanish Version)
Superior STAR Health – Information on the Medicaid health plan serving children and youth in foster care in all Texas counties.
STAR Health Provider Directory – Online help for finding providers within the Superior STAR Heath Network
Texas Parent to Parent (English Version) – Provides support, information and education for families of children with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other healthcare needs.
Texas Parent to Parent (Spanish Version) – Provides support, information and education for families of children with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other healthcare needs.
Aunt Bertha/ Find Help – Find help with financial resources, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost assistance
Affordable Connectivity Program – A new federal program is available to help low-income families obtain internet and computer services. Offering discounts up to $30 per month on internet services and up to $100 on the purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet, the program is accepting applications now.
Resources for Transition-Age Youth
Aging Out of Foster Care – What You Need to Know – This downloadable brochure from the Texas Foster Youth Justice Program outlines answers to common questions about aging out of care as well as some of the benefits available to children in care when they turn age 18. Also available in Spanish ( Superando la edad del hogar de cuidado temporal en Texas )
DFPS Resources:
Education Resources and Information – Learn about educational support opportunities for foster and adopted youth in Texas, including tuition waivers, ETV funding, scholarships, and higher education resources.
Extended Foster Care – Learn about Extended Foster Care services available to eligible young adults transitioning out of foster care, including continued housing support, educational and employment requirements, program forms, and resources that promote independence and stability into adulthood.
Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program – Learn about the PAL program and services available to youth preparing to transition out of foster care, including life skills training, financial assistance, educational support, housing resources, and tools that promote independence and successful adulthood.
Transitional Living Services – Explore programs and resources that support youth transitioning out of foster care, including life skills training, housing support, educational assistance, employment resources, leadership opportunities, and services that help promote stability and independence into adulthood.
Youth Housing Program – Access housing resources and support services available to transition-aged youth with foster care involvement, including housing planning tools, affordable housing options, community partnerships, and programs designed to help youth achieve safe and staple independent living.
Future Planning:
Federal Student Aid-Foster Students – Learn about federal student aid opportunities available for youth who are currently or were previously in foster care, including FAFSA guidance, eligibility information, financial aid resources, and support for accessing higher education funding.
Foster Care to Success – Explore scholarship opportunities, educational support, and career resources available to students with foster care experience, including tools that help youth access higher education, financial aid information, and pathways toward long-term success and independence.
Texas SPED Support – Access transition planning resources and employment guidance for students with disabilities, including tools multilingual guides, videos, and educational supports that help youth and families prepare for life after high school and successful adulthood.
Texas Workforce Commission-Foster Youth Program – Stay informed about upcoming webinars, conferences, and training opportunities designed to support foster youth, caregivers, and professionals through educational sessions, workforce resources, networking opportunities, and tools that promote successful transitions into adulthood and employment.
Scholarships – Explore scholarships opportunities, grants, and financial assistance programs available to current and former foster youth to help support college enrollment, tuition costs, educational expenses, and long-term academic success.
U.S. Department of Education-Foster Care Transition Toolkit – Access comprehensive guidance and resources designed to support youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood, including information on education planning, financial aid, housing, healthcare, employment, permanency, and strategies for successful independent living.
Health Insurance:
Health Insurance Marketplace – Learn about affordable health insurance coverage options through Health Insurance Marketplace, including enrollment information, plan comparisons, financial assistance eligibility, and resources to help youth and young adults access healthcare services and coverage.
STAR Health-Transitioning Youth – Access healthcare, wellness, financial assistance, and community resources available to youth transitioning out of foster care, including transition guides, support programs, medical and behavioral health services, housing resources, educational assistance, and tools that promote healthy and successful independent living.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits available to eligible individuals with disabilities or limited income, including application information, eligibility requirements, monthly payment details, and resources that support financial stability and access to essential services.
Texas Department of Insurance – Access information and resources related to health, auto, home, and other insurance coverage in Texas, including consumer insurance, complaint support, fraud reporting, disaster preparedness resources, mental health coverage information, and educational tools to help individuals better understand their insurance options and rights.
Texas Health and Human Services-Medicaid and CHIP – Access information about Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), including healthcare coverage options, eligibility information, medical and dental services, transportation assistance, health plan resources, and support services available to children, families, foster youth, and individuals with disabilities.
Legal Help:
Texas Foster Youth Justice Project – Access free legal information and resources designed to support current and former foster youth transitioning into adulthood, including guidance on housing, education, employment, identification documents, public benefits, financial literacy, juvenile justice issues, and understanding legal rights and responsibilities.
Texas Legal Services Center – Access free legal information, guidance, and support services for individuals and families involved with child welfare and foster care, including resources related to CPS matters, custody, visitation, child support, family rights, and connections to legal assistance programs across Texas.
Other Resources:
Child Support – Learn about child support in Texas, including how support is calculated, payment responsibilities, medical and dental support, modifying child support orders, and resources that help parents and families understand their rights and responsibilities related to financial support for children.
Texas CASA: Aging Out of Foster Care in Texas – Provides important information on resources for youth transitioning out of foster care in Texas, including extended foster care, housing and financial support, Medicaid coverage, tuition and fee waivers, Education and Training Vouchers (ETV), and independent living services to help youth adults successfully transition into adulthood.
TRAC: Resources for DFW Youth – Provides support and resources for youth aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. TRAC offers life skills training, crisis intervention, transition planning, workforce and education support, housing assistance, mental and physical health services, drop-in centers, and texting support to help young adults build stability, independence, and long-term success.
LEGISLATIVE rESOURCES
How Texas Bills Become Laws is a presentation created by TexProtects for the North Texas Foster Care Consortium. It gives a detailed understanding of the legislative process involved in getting a bill through the system to eventually becoming a law.
Texas Legislature Online provides information on legislators and how to find the legislators that represent you; committee leadership, membership, and meeting schedules; a bill search feature, which allows you to search by bill number or keywords; an option to track bills of interest; and much more. It also allows you to set up alerts for specific bills, committee schedules, etc.
- Texas CASA’s bill tracker, which is sorted into five categories: CASA’s High Priority Bills, Family Preservation Bills, Kinship Bills, Older Youth Bills, and Placement Bills.
- TACFS’ bill tracker, which also provides hearing notices.
The most relevant committees to child welfare legislation:
State budget resources:
– The Legislative Budget Board is responsible for developing budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations and for completing fiscal analyses for proposed legislation (i.e., determining how much a particular bill, if enacted, would cost the State).
– Of particular interest in the child welfare space is the legislative appropriations request from the Department of Family and Protective Servies.
Texas Child-Centered Care
Texas Child Centered Care (T3C) is a transformative project presented by TACFS, that better defines the foster care service continuum, modernizes the methodology that goes into calculating the cost of foster care, and collectively establishes a new foster care system in Texas. The system was designed to improve outcomes for children, youth, and young adults by meeting the needs of the foster care population and compensating caregivers for delivering high-quality services that incentivize effective and individualized care.
T3C System Blueprint presented by DFPS, is a guide for Texas foster care stakeholders to gain an understanding of the framework and parameters inherent in each of the twenty-four Service Packages and three Add-On Services.
What is Texas Child-Centered Care? DPFS presents an overview of Texas Child-Centered Care, or T3C, representing a complete transformation of the foster care system. It is the result of a multi-year effort directed by the Texas Legislature, supported by DFPS in collaboration with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and guided by countless residential childcare providers and other child welfare stakeholders.
What to Know About Texas Child Centered Care (T3C) is the statewide transformation of foster care designed to ensure every child receives the right support at the right time. T3C focuses on each child’s unique needs by using a universal assessment, personalized service packages, and improved caregiver support. The model promotes placement stability, strengthens caregiver training, enhances coordination with STAR Health, and supports education continuity. With a phased rollout through 2027, T3C aims to improve outcomes, increase family and community engagement, and ensure long-term success for children and youth in foster care.
Items of interest from around the state
Foster Care Capacity Crisis – The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services webpage highlights the issues of the capacity crisis as well as legislative actions seeking to address the problem.
TexProtects Annual State of the State Report – This report is published each year to provide an updated, in-depth analysis of the current state of the child protection system in Texas and how the state compares nationally. The report provides critical insights into the current state of the child protection system in Texas, including challenges faced by families and kinship support.
ABout the Consortium
Consortium How-To Guide– Building a consortium is more than just bringing people together— it’s about creating a collaborative space where diverse voices, resources, and expertise can align toward a shared vision. The North Texas Foster Care Consortium is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to improving the well-being of children who are in out-of-home care or at risk of removal through the child welfare system. Celebrating 10 years of successful community collaboration, the Consortium fosters communication, innovation, and advocacy by uniting partners across sectors. Through this guide, we share lessons learned and practical strategies from the past decade of working together—insights designed to help others build strong, sustainable collaborations that achieve meaningful change.