By Jeff Wentworth
Guest Commentary

The recent events in West Texas have shed light not only on the alleged polygamist sect near Eldorado, but also on the state’s foster care program and its ability to accommodate the more than 400 children for whom the state may need to seek foster care.

This current challenge adds to the already strained foster care system, which presently includes 28,000 children in state conservatorship. The children recently removed from custody at the Yearning for Zion ranch, including children from 5 to 17 years of age as well as several pregnant teenagers, were moved to children’s shelters and group homes around the state. 

Depending on the outcome of future court hearings, some of these children may need supportive families to help them adjust to life outside the YFZ Ranch.

As Child Protective Services staff members work to find homes for children who may eventually wind up in foster care and those throughout the state who already are in need of foster care, I encourage Texans to examine whether they may open their hearts and homes to these children.

Information on becoming a licensed Texas foster or adoptive parent may be found by visiting the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Web site at www.dfps.state.tx.us. If you fill out an interest form, you will be sent an information packet. 

Foster parents who provide homes and care to displaced children will receive help and support from the state in several ways. For example, reimbursement rates were increased for Texans who provide foster care. 

In addition, the Health and Human Services Commission on April 1, launched STAR Health, a Medicaid managed healthcare program to improve services and better coordinate care for children currently in state custody. 

A statewide network of physicians and other healthcare professionals was generated through the program, which serves children in foster care, kinship care and other forms of Department of Family and Protective Services conservatorship, as well as young adults formerly in foster care. 

The 79th Legislature in 2005 passed a bill that completely revamped the foster care system in Texas. 

Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 758 protect children in foster care through quarterly performance measures for safety and required drug testing and background checks for foster parents.   

Foster parenting, while rewarding in itself, could be the first step toward adoption. Some Texans are unaware that state law now allows foster parents to become adoptive parents. Information on adoption may also be found on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Web site.

If you are unable to become a foster or adoptive parent, there are other ways to provide support to children in need. 

Household items and toys may be donated to local emergency resource rooms, and volunteers are always needed to support your local Child Protective Services staff.

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it