Senate Bill 513

Welcome to the SB 513 Information Hub (current status: 05/13/25 SIGNED BY GOVERNOR ABBOTT!!)

“Our next two years are the rest of their lives.”

What is SB 513?

Senate Bill 513, authored by Senator Kevin Sparks and co-authored by Senator César Blanco and Senator Charles Perry, introduces a Rural Community-Based Care Pilot Program to address critical gaps in child welfare services across rural Texas. This groundbreaking legislation focuses on empowering local communities to create sustainable, effective systems of care tailored to the unique challenges rural families face. A companion House Bill 1536 was filed by Representative Tom Craddick.

Key Highlights of SB 513:

• Community Leadership: Shifts decision-making to local stakeholders for better-tailored solutions.

• Expanded Services: Increases access to family preservation, foster care, adoption, and post-adoption supports.

• Funding Innovation: Introduces a flexible funding model that accounts for transportation barriers, workforce shortages, and geographic challenges.

• Focus on Outcomes: Independent evaluations ensure transparency and continuous improvement.

A Bill Born from Collaboration

SB 513 was developed with input from the West Texas Together coalition, a partnership of local leaders, child welfare advocates, and service providers dedicated to transforming child welfare in rural regions like the Concho Valley.

How the West Texas Together Coalition Shaped SB 513:

• Community Voices: Feedback from families, kinship caregivers, and stakeholders informed the design of the pilot program.

• Proven Models: The coalition’s success in fostering local collaboration and innovative service delivery provided a framework for SB 513.

• Shared Mission: At its heart, SB 513 embodies the coalition’s vision of ensuring every child has access to a safe, loving home within their community.

How SB 513 Will Impact Kinship Families in the Concho Valley

Kinship families—relatives stepping in to care for children when parents cannot—are a cornerstone of child welfare. Yet, many kinship families in rural areas face challenges accessing resources and support. SB 513 changes that by providing:

1. Direct Financial Assistance

   • Kinship caregivers will receive stipends to help cover the costs of raising children, reducing financial strain.

2. Expanded Support Services

   • Counseling, respite care, and parenting classes will now be available locally, making it easier for caregivers to access help when they need it.

3. Transportation Solutions

   • With new transportation programs, caregivers can attend counseling sessions, access medical care, and ensure children participate in educational activities without financial or logistical barriers.

4. Safe and Stable Homes

   • Home repair and housing assistance programs will ensure kinship families have safe, secure environments to raise children.

5. Community Connection

   • Local support groups and networks will offer caregivers emotional support and practical advice, reducing isolation and building resilience.

Why SB 513 Matters

For children in rural Texas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This bill represents a lifeline for families and a blueprint for creating a stronger, more resilient child welfare system.

By supporting SB 513, we’re not just passing legislation—we’re committing to a future where every child, caregiver, and family in the Concho Valley has the tools they need to thrive.

Take Action

📢 Support SB 513 Today!  Download the one-pager here

• Spread the Word: Use our social media toolkit to raise awareness.

• Join the Movement: Become part of the West Texas Together coalition and advocate for a brighter future for Texas families.

Together, we can make a lasting impact. “Our next two years are the rest of their lives.”