Pilot Program

Rural Community-Based Care Pilot Program

A New Approach for Rural Texas

What is it?

A new pilot program that gives rural communities the power to design a model child welfare system that works for them.

Read the full text of Senate Bill 513

Why do we need it?

Rural areas face different challenges when helping children and families. This program recognizes those unique needs and lets communities create solutions that fit their situation.

Who's involved?

• Community Alliance: Local families, judges, teachers, healthcare workers, and other community members who guide the program

• Lead Entity: A local nonprofit or government organization that partners with the state to deliver services

• Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS): Works with the community to support the pilot

What will they do?

The Community Alliance will:

• Help plan the program

• Identify what the community needs

• Set local goals

• Connect community resources

• Engage the public

The Lead Entity will:

• Create program policies

• Manage funding and providers

• Coordinate services

• Work with the Community Alliance

Goals of the program:

• Keep children closer to home

• Improve services for families

• Build stronger community connections

• Create a rural model that could help other areas

Timeline:

Two-year planning period, followed by a report to the legislature with recommendations for how to make this work for West Texas.