Foster care caseload decline and CPS policy changes
Waller County
Summary
Legislative changes now require kids be in immediate danger before CPS can remove them, so caseloads fell from 63 children in 2019 to 14 — but the remaining cases are more severe. Officials urged residents to speak up and report concerns.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
The county's annual contribution to the Child Welfare Board doubled to $30,000, and the board holds about $119,000 across its accounts.
Foster children in Waller County get quicker, more flexible support.
Children in danger may stay in harmful situations longer under the state's stricter removal standard.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Commissioners Court - Oct 14, 2026
Texas is shifting foster care to a community-based model; Waller County case management moves to Texans Together on March 1, 2027. CASA and the Child Welfare Board worry children could fall through the cracks as experienced CPS workers leave, and note remaining cases are more severe even as numbers drop.
Commissioners Court - Jul 22, 2026
Legislative changes now require kids be in immediate danger before CPS can remove them, so caseloads fell from 63 children in 2019 to 14 — but the remaining cases are more severe. Officials urged residents to speak up and report concerns.
Commissioners Court - Feb 4, 2026
The county renewed its $30,000 annual agreement with the Child Welfare Board, which reported just 13 children in county care — way down from the forties several years ago. The board has open spots for volunteers.
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