FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES

We are TSEU members who work in the Department of Family Protective Services. We work in CPS, APS, and CCL. We are building a strong union in our agency to fight for:  better pay and benefits to attract and retain dedicated, experienced staff;  lower caseloads; stopping privatization.
TSEU Organizer Contact: MYKO M. GEDUTIS in the Houston TSEU office:  (713)661-9030
FPS Goals


THE CWOP CRISIS. . . 

More Information, Links, Downloads:

DFPS Response to Contempt Motion 11/3/23

Plaintiff’s Motion to Hold DFPS in Contempt 11/1/23

Updated Monitor’s Report 9/19/23

Recommendations for Improving Texas’ Safe Placement and Services for Children, Youth and Families A Report of the Expert Panel Appointed under the Collaboration Agreement of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the M.D. v. Abbott Plaintiffs

The Court Monitors’ Update Regarding Safety of Settings Housing Children Without Placement and Site Visits US District Court paper

THIRD REPORT OF THE MONITORS: REMEDIAL ORDERS US District Court paper

Our top story . . . 

Chaos in DFPS – the CWOP Crisis continues

Everyday, DFPS staff – case workers, human service techs, supervisors, and administrative assistants – are in motels, hotels, and apartments to watch foster children without placement (CWOP). These foster children, mainly teenagers, are in the temporary or permanent custody of the state of Texas. Many have complex behavioral, psychiatric, and therapeutic needs that are going unmet or being refused by the children. In these unstructured, ad hoc placements, traumatized children in care are deciding whether they will go to school or not, whether they will take their medications or not, and whether they want to stay put or leave to engage in any number of dangerous behaviors – including prostitution, drug use, and armed robbery.
  The combination of untrained staff working countless extra shifts, unstructured environments free of consequences, and traumatized children calling the shots has bred chaos. Numerous assaults on staff, other children, and law enforcement have already occurred. Youth have destroyed personal property of staff, DFPS property, and property at hotels, motels, apartments, and church halls serving as unlicensed placements.

LEARN HOW Texas leaders created this disaster, what solutions members are proposing to end the crisis, and what we can do to sound the alarm with decision makers. READ MORE. . . 

TSEU members across Texas sound the alarm about the CWOP crisis

During the CWOP crisis, TSEU members have been holding regular statewide meetings to share information, ideas, and updates from all corners of Texas. The bottom line is the concern for the well-being of children and staff is what unites us.

  • On October 6th, TSEU members in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin (not pictured) held simultaneous press conference and rallies outside of regional DFPS offices to draw attention to the CWOP crisis.
  • Since state leaders have failed to address the needs of children and staff, TSEU members decided to turn to local stakeholders to seek their help. In Dallas and Houston, members held town hall meetings in December with local officials and community members that interact with children in the foster care system. These town halls were forums for members to share their experiences and discuss solutions with local officials. The meetings were eye-openers to many officials who had no idea how chaotic and dangerous our work has become.
OUR NEXT TOWN HALL is planned for February in San Antonio, and members in other parts of the state are planning meetings with local officials as well.