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April 2007
 Texas DFPS Rapid Response Team Investigation of Child Placing Agency
Foster Homes
Due to three child fatalities over a 16-month period (August 2005-
December 2006) the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (DFPS) began an investigation due to serious concerns about
Mesa Family Services. A Rapid Response Team was formed to review
risk factors in all foster homes verified by Mesa Family Services
to ensure the safety of foster children placed in these homes.
The
Rapid Response Team placed suspensions statewide, onsite
investigations of 126 foster homes within a two-week period,
detailed background and criminal history check information, FBI and
local enforcement checks, and an overall review by trained risk
assessment staff of all the gathered information. They found that
the majority of the foster homes were providing safe and adequate
care, however some homes had major safety concerns. The four areas
of concern identified by Rapid Response were:
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Inadequate home studies prior to placement of children
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Inappropriate child placements
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Incomplete/inadequate criminal checks
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Financial risk factors in foster homes
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