DALLAS — Texas has terminated its contract with EMPOWER, the nonprofit serving as the state’s primary foster care provider, just four months after the state assumed control of its operations.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) said it ended the contract because children in the foster care system were not receiving the level of care they deserved under EMPOWER’s oversight.
The nonprofit has faced chronic staffing shortages and high turnover among caseworkers since taking responsibility for the state’s foster care system. Two children have died since EMPOWER assumed the role, prompting increased scrutiny of its operations.
Texas took over EMPOWER’s operations in March, and the Texas Attorney General’s Office recently asked a court to extend the state takeover through at least October.
Under Texas law, EMPOWER will continue operating during a required six-month transition period. The organization is expected to remain in place through January before two providers assume responsibility for foster care services in North Texas.
The Texas Family Care Network will oversee services in Dallas County, while Our Community Our Kids will serve eight other North Texas counties.
Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle said the transition could create disruptions for children in foster care but emphasized that court-appointed volunteer advocates will continue providing stability and support.
“When you see how a child anticipates the visit of a Dallas CASA volunteer, you really begin to understand how important it is that we not let our children feel lost or forgotten,” LaValle said.
