DFPS Under the Microscope: Three Critical Challenges from the 2025 Sunset Review

Every 12 years, Texas state agencies face the Sunset review process — a comprehensive evaluation of whether an agency should continue to exist and what reforms are needed. In August 2025, DFPS submitted its Self-Evaluation Report to the Sunset Advisory Commission, candidly identifying three major issues that stakeholders widely agree must be priorities.

Issue 1: Children's Mental and Behavioral Health Services

DFPS acknowledged that limited availability of mental and behavioral health services — combined with confusing access processes — means families frequently go without help until a CPS case is opened. Even after CPS intervenes, the same service gaps undermine safety and stability for children in care.

Both DFPS and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department identified children's behavioral health as a major barrier to fulfilling their missions.

Issue 2: Quality and Timeliness of Investigations

The agency raised concerns about the quality and timeliness of child abuse and neglect investigations. Delays in families' access to case records can undermine fairness in the early stages of a CPS case. The report suggests that systemic improvements — not just additional caseworkers — are needed to address investigation backlogs.

Issue 3: Community-Based Care Growing Pains

Since 2017, Texas has been transitioning foster care services to local nonprofits called Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs) under the Community-Based Care model. DFPS acknowledged ongoing challenges with this approach, including contract management, performance monitoring, and ensuring consistent service quality across catchment areas. The Legislature recently enacted reforms to strengthen SSCC oversight and accountability.

What Comes Next

Sunset staff will evaluate DFPS through 2026, with a staff report expected in October 2026. The Sunset Commission will hold public hearings and adopt recommendations for the Legislature, which convenes in January 2027. Public comments submitted before the staff report remain confidential.

Texas CASA's analysis largely aligns with DFPS's self-identified challenges, recommending better use of existing authority and resources to improve accountability, coordination, and outcomes.

Key Legislative Investments (88th Session)

• $4.0 million for a comprehensive CBC process evaluation
• $6.1 million to enhance services for high-needs youth
• $15 million/year for the SMART Innovation mental health grant program (SB 26)
• $65 million additional funding for the renamed Family Support Services Division (SB 24)

Sources: DFPS Self-Evaluation Report (August 2025), Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas CASA, Texans Care for Children