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Comptroller's Report

Dear Readers:

10 Principles for Texas
in the 21st Century
  1. Develop a better-educated workforce
  2. Direct more of every education dollar into the classroom
  3. Raise the bar on student performance
  4. Cut taxes in Texas
  5. Introduce competition into Texas government
  6. Improve government performance and accountability
  7. Reduce the size of government
  8. Bring common sense to regulations
  9. Use technology to cut costs and increase quality
  10. Return control to communities and individuals

I have set up a survey on my Web page — www.window.state.tx.us — so parents, caregivers, law enforcement officials, advocacy groups and others can give us first-hand information on what’s happening in our state’s foster care system.

My office is conducting a performance review of our state’s foster care system run by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS). The foster care system is often the last stop for abused and neglected children, many of whom are emotionally troubled.

My action was prompted by reports of problems with the foster care system at residential treatment centers. The problems include improper use of taxpayers’ money.

Reported problems also include the kind of care — or lack thereof — children receive at these treatment centers. These centers provide 24-hour care for foster children with mental or behavioral problems too severe for the children to be placed in individual foster homes. But reports allege the children are not receiving the care they need and deserve — or the care that taxpayers pay for — and that there may be insufficient oversight of the facilities by DPRS.

I will get to the bottom of these allegations. My office will review foster care system operations, and will look into any misuse of taxpayers ’ dollars. I will make sure our foster care system does what it is intended to do — protect our children.

I’m going to be “One Tough Grandma” looking out for our most vulnerable children in the foster care system.

Sincerely,

Carole Keeton Strayhorn's Signature
Carole Keeton Strayhorn
Texas Comptroller