November 1, 2008

Possible Models for a Contracted Case Management Pilot Program: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

This document describes three possible models the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) could pursue to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 758, a bill requiring the development of a pilot program aimed at contracting case management services in up to 5% of Child Protective Services (CPS) cases. It begins by explaining the functions and goals of CPS and key considerations when developing the models. All three of the models proposed support CPS' on- going efforts to enhance services for children and families by working to keep families together while ensuring child safety in the home, connecting children and youth to their family (when possible) and their community, reducing the length of time children remain in state care, and improving the quality and accountability of the foster care system. The models profiled include: one that would provide enhanced family services: a model in which DFPS would contract with a private provider or providers for the full range of case management services and decision-making for children ages 13 and under and their families; and a model in which DFPS would contract with a private provider or providers for the full range of case management services and decision-making for youth age 14 and older preparing to transition out of foster care. Example scenarios are provided for each model.