Dear Texas Foster Parents,
This time of year is always busy, but it seems this year is exceptionally full of opportunities to represent you on regional, state and national level meetings, workgroups, committees and legislative pre-session hearings. During the month of April I presented testimony to the Texas House Human Services Committee and the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee. My testimony brought the following issues to the attention of our Texas legislators who serve on these vital committees:
* Fire Inspection rules for foster family homes; the disparity among city, county, and unincorporated area rules for fire inspections; the extreme difficulties the State Fire Marshall’s new rules are presenting to foster parents in many parts of the state; and the need to revise those rules or develop a uniform set of fire standards for foster family homes that are realistic and affordable while providing for the safety of all family members.
* 2007 Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies that have made it more difficult for foster parents to care for foster children, cut capacity in foster homes, added costs for foster parents and agencies, institutionalized foster family care, etc, while having little apparent impact on the safety of the children in care.
* Senate Bill 759, passed during the last Legislative session entitles agencies and foster parents to written notice within ten days of a child’s placement review hearing and entitlement of foster parents to present evidence and speak to the judge at the placement review hearings. This law has not yet been implemented so many foster parents are not being given their right, by law, to provide information during court proceedings and this does not serve the best interests of children in foster care.
* Recognizing that not all foster parents can work with all biological parents for various safety or other reasons, foster parents could be a huge asset to family reunification efforts if given the opportunity to serve as mentors, teachers, supporters, etc.
* Many foster teens need job coaching beginning at age 16 instead of mental health therapy to encourage their growth of responsible behavior and successful preparation for adulthood. Many of these same teens need to be able to use the money they earn to purchase a vehicle and liability insurance. A job and the possibility of a vehicle are huge motivators to stay in school, make passing grades, etc. Funding is needed to pay for job coaches and liability insurance.
As the year progresses, there will be many more opportunities to provide valuable information to the people who make the laws and the rules you have to live by as foster parents. Please communicate with your TFFA Regional Representative or myself as you encounter things that make your work as foster parents more difficult or that affect positive outcomes for the children in your care. As always, I love to hear what is working, too!
To close this article, I want to leave you with one of my favorite quotes. I am not sure who said it, but whoever is was, was right on the money. “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task, which more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” Each placement brings new challenges to you and your family. Each new standard or rules brings additional challenges. TFFA is here to help you meet those challenges.
With much respect and gratitude,
Irene Clements
President, TFFA
Contact our Executive Director, Roy Block, at (512).947.3367