{"id":44512,"date":"2026-02-27T12:42:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:42:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/?p=44512"},"modified":"2026-03-25T10:08:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:08:20","slug":"texas-casa-recommendations-for-dfps-sunset-review-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/2026\/02\/27\/texas-casa-recommendations-for-dfps-sunset-review-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Recomendaciones de Texas CASA para la Revisi\u00f3n de Sunset del DFPS"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-image44512_efa9bc-b5 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image44512_efa9bc-b5\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-32316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs.png 1920w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-228x128.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-100x56.png 100w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/From_the_CEO_Vicki_Spriggs-1184x666.png 1184w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1ac884-83\">In September 2025, the Sunset Advisory Commission began the two-year Sunset review process for 16 state agencies, including two critical to children and families: the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Sunset review is an opportunity for the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Texas Legislature to evaluate a state agency\u2019s programs, rules, operations, and success in fulfilling its mission, as well as address any identified issues. As part of this process, each state agency under review submits a self-evaluation identifying major challenges, which help shape the Legislature\u2019s review. You can read HHSC\u2019s full self-evaluation report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunset.texas.gov\/public\/uploads\/2025-09\/Health%20and%20Human%20Services%20Commission%20Self-Evaluation%20Report_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> and DFPS\u2019s full self-evaluation report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dfps.texas.gov\/About_DFPS\/Reports_and_Presentations\/Agencywide\/documents\/2025\/DFPS_SunsetReview_2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_3d688d-18\">HHSC has identified ongoing customer service and systems issues that delay families\u2019 access to health coverage, while DFPS has flagged challenges with access to children\u2019s mental and behavioral health services, delays and quality concerns in CPS investigations and records access, and continued issues with Community-Based Care. Over the next two years, the Sunset Commission will review these agencies and develop recommendations ahead of the 90<sup>th<\/sup> Legislative Session in 2027.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_1a6eaa-8b\">Based on local CASA program feedback, Texas CASA\u2019s Public Policy team developed the following recommendations focused on DFPS. The feedback gathered from local CASA programs largely aligns with DFPS\u2019s own self-identified challenges. These recommendations support better use of existing authority and resources to improve accountability, coordination, and outcomes for children and families in DFPS and Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) conservatorship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_7eddea-43\">Texas CASA\u2019s recommendations are to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clarify and strengthen understanding of CASA&#8217;s legal role in cases&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen the consistency and enforcement of DFPS oversight of Community-Based Care providers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase transparency and quality in CPS investigations and records access&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address workforce turnover through training, culture and support&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand and stabilize placement capacity statewide&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_8b8856-8c\">Texas CASA&#8217;s Public Policy Team will continue engaging with the Sunset Commission\u2019s DFPS team to advocate for CASA\u2019s priorities throughout the process. We are proud to contribute this feedback and grateful for the opportunity to engage in this process. We also extend our sincere thanks to the local programs whose insight and collaboration helped shape these recommendations. Together, we are committed to strengthening and uniting Texas\u2019 child welfare system to better serve children and families across our state. <\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading44512_ccdb8d-8a\">To explore our latest policy initiatives and see how we\u2019re working to drive meaningful change, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/what-we-do\/leadership-in-public-policy\/\">Public Policy page<\/a>. You can also read our full set of recommendations to the Sunset Committee in the complete report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/64s8blvvnzvirmmbrwkue\/Texas-CASA-Recommendations-for-DFPS-Sunset-Review-2025-2026-Final.pdf?rlkey=bynyylsjgs119wz3z4ezeakiy&amp;st=g6ytzskh&amp;dl=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-532d620d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<p>With appreciation, <\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-image.kb-image44512_40193d-59:not(.kb-specificity-added):not(.kb-extra-specificity-added) > figure{margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-image44512_40193d-59.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image44512_40193d-59 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:248px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image44512_40193d-59.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image44512_40193d-59 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image44512_40193d-59 figure{max-width:248px;}.kb-image44512_40193d-59 .image-is-svg, .kb-image44512_40193d-59 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image44512_40193d-59:not(.kb-image-is-ratio-size) .kb-img, .kb-image44512_40193d-59.kb-image-is-ratio-size{padding-bottom:0px;}.kb-image44512_40193d-59 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image44512_40193d-59\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/vicki-signature.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-41959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/vicki-signature.jpg 627w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/vicki-signature-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/vicki-signature-228x103.jpg 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/vicki-signature-18x8.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA CEO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In September 2025, the Sunset Advisory Commission began the two-year Sunset review process for 16 state agencies, including two critical to children and families: the Department of Family and Protective [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":32317,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_gspb_post_css":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[89,96,91,94],"tags":[],"topics":[],"class_list":["post-44512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-casa-voice","category-from-the-ceo","category-news-updates","category-public-policy"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":89,"label":"The CASA Voice"},{"value":96,"label":"From the CEO"},{"value":91,"label":"News &amp; 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