Policy

88th Texas Legislature

About

The Texas Legislature convenes just 140 days every odd-numbered year. The Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services has staff, board members, members, and partners who are actively engaged in advocacy before, during, and after the session. They work to promote the interests of Texas children and families through funding, programs, and policy that encourage service providers to thrive in communities across Texas.

Important Dates:

Election Day: November 8, 2022
Bill Filing: November 14, 2022 – March 10, 2023
88th Texas Legislature: January 10, 2023 – May 29, 2023
TACFS Advocacy Day at the Capitol: January 24, 2023

Highlights from the Regular Session

Click to view our highlights from the Regular Session.

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Our Priorities

Strengthened Families

Investments in proven family-focused programs can make families stronger and safer, allowing them to stay together and raise children in safe, loving environments.

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Supporting the Child-Serving Workforce

Between rising costs and salaries, many employers in Texas and nationwide have struggled to recruit and retain their workforce.

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High-Quality Placements and Services

Recent state investments have helped sustain capacity in the foster care system, but it is essential that legislators continue to make investments to help community-based organizations build and deliver the range of services that children and youth in foster care need.

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Mental Health Care for Texas’ Most Vulnerable Youth

Children and youth across the country face increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. This is especially true for adolescents in the child welfare system whose experiences and trauma often create complex trauma.

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Child-Centered Oversight

Safety is caregivers’ top priority, but punitive regulations that fail to recognize the realities of caring for children who have experienced trauma currently provide a disincentive to work with children and youth who have high needs.

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Contact Us

Contact the public policy team at policy@tacfs.org.

Jamie McCormick

Vice President of Public Affairs

Rachel Nicholson

Director of Policy and External Relations