[sweetsal]

I put this in another thread, but I decided to start a new post since ppl seem to ask the same questions. I have learned a lot while in the system. I am not an expert, but hope this helps anyone who may be new..

1.Private Agencies Vs. CPS (State)
Remember, all kids come through the state. When a child comes into the system, CPS and Private workers will start calling all the foster families in the area who "match" the child. Whoever gets a "yes" first, that is where the child will go. So make sure your contact # is where you can immediately be reached.

You may also get calls for children who do not match what you are looking for. This is because the agency has exhausted the whole list, and is now calling anyone somewhat "close". Do not think you will never be called again if you say no! Private agencies get a "cut" if they make a match, so they are more inclined to be pushy. That can be good, or bad, depending on how you look at it.

If your agency does not seem to be calling you, ask who the person is who gets the "intakes" . Contact them and get to know them. Become a person for them.

You can be with a Private and still take a Basic level child. (Fyi, all babies are labeled "Basic" in the CPS system). But all people in Private agencies will be licensed up to the highest level, Therapeutic. Private agencies have more laws and regulations put on them by the state; therefore they require each foster parent to do more classes and more paperwork. It is the "crap rolls down hill" kind of thing. But here is the catch. You can do a straight adoption of a therapeutic child through CPS, you just cannot foster them. Which to me, makes no sense.

2.Texas is not about to be "Privatized" as everyone expected. Meaning that all child placements would be done by a Private Agencies rather than CPS. This is because of recent deaths of foster children that took place at one Private that was closed. Now the state is getting really tough on privates, aka, also tougher on the private agency foster parents.

There are pros and cons to each agency. If you want someone to hold your hand, go with a Private. But on the flip side, they can suffocate you (for reasons above). After awhile, you will know the system inside and out, and your Private will still require the 30 hours and tons of paperwork, even though you could recite the rules in your sleep.

Privates generally get you licensed much much quicker than CPS. I have heard horror stories of CPS taking 1-2 years to get people licensed. But I have also heard of it only taking months, so it depends on your worker, and it depends on YOU. If you can knock out all the paperwork and classes quickly, then it should go faster. You have to take the initiative. Remember, if there is one piece of paperwork sitting out there that you didn't do, your worker may not even tell you, and it could drag on another 6 months.

3.Adoptable Children?
Children up for straight adoptions are listed on
Child Search (TARE). These kids are currently with families not looking to adopt.There are other children up for straight adoption as well that only case workers know about. These are your younger children. You must be licensed through an agency to submit interest in any children. The younger ones are in high demand, so the wait is much much longer. Also, if you are looking for a very "specific" type of child (Ex. A AA/CC mix, girl, ages2-4, expect to wait a long time.

4.How do they select who will Adopt the Child?
From what I have learned, there could be 4 families in the running for a child, or even up to 20+ families. It does not matter if you are with CPS or a Private for consideration. Your home study is submitted by your cw. The placement workers look at each child's needs.
Example: Let's say the child up for adoption is 5 years old, and tends to be very aggresive. Well Family A has a 2 year old. That 5 year old may beat up the 2 year old. Family A is out. Family B has 2 older kids, and has worked with kids with emotional behaviors. Family B is in the running. Family C has no kids, but both parents work, and this is a child that needs lots of one on one. Family C is out. So Family B is chosen.
That was simplified, but I am sure you understand.

I hope some of this may have been helpful for any newbies. I have sat in the system way too long! I tried to give 100% accurate info, but I may have some things wrong.

[bethy724]

When did the legislation regarding foster care be handled by private agencies (over a 5 year period, I think, starting last year in San Antonio) change?

My sons former caseworker (houston) continues to tell me to stay with a private agency (I switched 1/07) becuase it is going in that direction in the next few years. Do the workers at CPS not even know there has been a change in the plan? (At least in Houston anyway)

[sweetsal]

I don't think anyone really knows for sure. But the plan was to eventually go to 100% Privatization. That was halted after the deaths. I will do some research on the net and get back to you. Or someone else on here may have the latest...it keeps going back and forth.

[sweetsal]

Bill aims to make foster care safer | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas Regional News

[CaddoRose]

Here is a link to the bills passed by the last legislature.


http://www.tffa.org/uploads/legtrack...5-30-07%5B2%5D.

HB1361 did not pass- that was the amendment relating to stopping the privatization.

HB2670- did pass- requires a database of homes that have had a call for domestic violence and a review of their licensing. (This is a direct result of the death mentioned in this thread)

[CaddoRose]

here's that link again. Part of the address didn't copy:

http://www.tffa.org/uploads/legtrack...-07%5B2%5D.pdf