HOUSTON, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced reforms to the state’s foster care system aimed at expanding opportunities for kinship foster families.
The initiative eliminates 195 administrative rules, reducing bureaucratic requirements by 75% to simplify the process for relatives to become foster parents.
The reforms are designed to streamline regulations, strengthen protections for children in foster care, and help them maintain a sense of identity through family connections.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) expressed support for the changes, saying they will enhance children’s well-being and help keep them in familiar environments.
Officials noted that kinship foster care plays a vital role in providing stability and emotional continuity for children removed from their homes.
Governor Abbott said the reforms reflect the state’s commitment to improving the foster care system and prioritizing the needs of children. He emphasized that the goal is to keep children connected to their families while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
Along with removing unnecessary regulations, the plan simplifies the licensing process for relatives seeking to become foster parents. State officials said this step will allow more families to care for relatives in need and reduce delays in placement.
The HHSC, which oversees implementation, said it will closely monitor the results of the changes to assess their impact on the foster care system.
Governor Abbott reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting Texas families, saying the state’s goal is to create a foster care system that serves the best interests of children through family unity and stability.