The state of Texas is making big changes to how foster care works, and if you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone working in child welfare, you might be wondering what it all means. The new program is called Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C), and it’s designed to make sure kids in foster care get the right kind of support—without all the red tape getting in the way.
So, what’s different? Let’s break it down.
1. Kids Will Get a More Personalized Approach
Instead of treating every foster care case the same, Texas is using a universal assessment tool called CANS 3.0. This tool helps caseworkers understand each child’s specific needs—whether it’s emotional support, medical care, or a more structured home environment. The goal? Make sure kids are placed in the best possible situation from the start.
2. More Services for Kids, More Support for Caregivers
Before T3C, the system wasn’t always clear about what services were available or how they were funded. Now, Texas has introduced 24 service packages that clearly define what kind of help a child can receive. This could mean therapy, specialized medical care, or extra support for foster parents. It takes the guesswork out of the process and makes sure caregivers aren’t left scrambling for resources.
3. Better Funding for Care Providers
Foster care providers often struggle to cover costs, which can lead to instability in the system. With T3C, Texas has reworked how funding is handled so that caregivers and organizations get the right financial support to provide high-quality care. The state wants to ensure that money isn’t a barrier to giving kids the stability they need.
4. A Commitment to Long-Term Improvement
One of the most important parts of T3C is continuous quality improvement—meaning the system isn’t just set in stone. Texas will be constantly reviewing and adjusting it based on what’s working and what’s not. This ensures that the program actually helps kids and caregivers in the way it’s supposed to.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a foster parent, social worker, or involved in child welfare in any way, these changes mean a clearer, more effective system for getting kids the help they need. And if you’re someone who supports foster families, it’s good to know that the state is making an effort to improve how the system works.
At Saint William Health Records, we know that managing a child’s health and personal records is a huge part of ensuring they get the right care. With these changes, having organized, easily accessible digital health records will be more important than ever. If you work with foster families or child welfare agencies, our secure platform can help make documentation easier and more efficient—so caregivers can focus on what really matters: giving kids a safe and loving home.
For more information about T3C, check out the official Texas Department of Family and Protective Services page here.
And if you’re interested in how better health record management can support foster care, learn more at Saint William Health Records.