ten years later:
State leaders still dodging the real problem in FPS

____ On March 1, 1998, the Caseload Standards Advisory Committee released recommendations to the Health and Human Services Commission that detailed the number and types of cases that should be carried by employees in DFPS (then PRS). The implementation of the standards was subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the legislature.
____ These recommendations were made to address high turnover rates among staff and to increase the amount of time a worker could spend with each case or facility. However, in the decade that has passed since the recommendations were originally established, caseloads remain at dangerous levels and turnover has continued to be a major problem.
____ Legislative attempts to “fix” FPS with more technology or targeted pay raises are small steps in the right direction, but fall well short of what is needed. Privatization has been- and will continue to be- introduced as a cure all “reform” for FPS, despite repeatedly failing in Texas and other states. State leaders have tried to operate FPS on the cheap for years, searching for shortcuts and band aids, while services to vulnerable Texans suffer.

Texas Dept of Protective & Regulartory Services
Caseload Standars Advisory Committee Report
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