The Texas foster care system is preparing for a major change in Region 3E, also known as Metroplex East. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has decided to transition Community-Based Care services away from EMPOWER and to two experienced Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs).
The change is currently planned for November 1, 2026.
For foster care providers in the affected region, this is an important development. A change in SSCC responsibility can affect communication, processes, contacts, technology, documentation, and the way providers interact with the child welfare system.
Understanding what is changing can help providers prepare without creating unnecessary disruption.
What Is Happening With EMPOWER?
EMPOWER has served as the SSCC for Metroplex East, or Region 3E. The region includes:
Dallas.
Collin.
Ellis.
Fannin.
Grayson.
Hunt.
Kaufman.
Navarro.
Rockwall.
DFPS has decided that Community-Based Care services in the region will transition from EMPOWER to two other SSCCs. Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) will serve Dallas County, while Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) will serve the other eight counties.
This does not mean services immediately stop.
EMPOWER will continue working with DFPS, the court-appointed receiver, OCOK, and TFCN during the transition. DFPS says the organizations will work together to maintain continuity of services for children, youth, families, caregivers, and providers.
Why Is the Transition Happening?
DFPS says the decision followed an extensive assessment conducted during EMPOWER’s receivership. The agency’s stated priority is ensuring that children, youth, and families receive safe, stable, and high-quality services.
The transition is therefore not simply an administrative change. It is part of an effort to strengthen Community-Based Care services in Metroplex East while maintaining continuity for the people who depend on those services.
What Does the Closure Mean for Foster Care Providers?
Providers should not expect everything to change overnight.
The transition includes a 180-day transition process, giving DFPS, EMPOWER, the receiver, OCOK, and TFCN time to coordinate operational, financial, planning, and technology requirements.
For providers, however, this is a good time to review their own systems.
Important questions include:
These questions matter during a transition because providers still have to operate their programs while the larger system around them is changing.
Why Documentation Matters During an SSCC Transition
A change in SSCC responsibility can involve a substantial amount of information.
Providers may need to communicate with new personnel, learn updated procedures, and adapt to changes in systems or workflows. At the same time, documentation and compliance responsibilities do not disappear.
This is where having organized records becomes important.
If information is spread across paper files, spreadsheets, emails, and different storage locations, finding what is needed can become unnecessarily difficult.
A centralized electronic system can make that process easier.
How St. William Health Records Can Help
St. William Health Records provides an electronic way for foster care organizations to manage their records and compliance workflow.
That can be particularly useful when an organization is preparing for a significant operational transition.
Instead of depending entirely on physical files or disconnected documentation, providers can maintain information electronically in a more centralized environment.
The platform also includes alerts and compliance checklists.
Alerts can help bring attention to items that require action, while checklists can provide a consistent way for administrators to review important requirements and identify anything that remains outstanding.
This does not replace the provider’s responsibility to meet applicable requirements. It simply gives the organization a more structured way to manage the information involved.
During a transition, that organization can be valuable.
Preparing Before November 1
Providers do not need to wait until the transition date to start preparing.
A simple internal review can help identify areas that need attention:
Review your records. Make sure important documentation is complete and accessible.
Review outstanding items. Identify anything requiring follow-up or corrective action.
Review deadlines. Make sure important dates and recurring requirements are being monitored.
Review your workflow. Know who is responsible for maintaining and reviewing documentation.
Review your electronic systems. Make sure authorized staff can access the information they need.
Taking these steps can help reduce avoidable administrative problems while the SSCC transition is underway.
What Happens Next?
DFPS says additional information about implementation activities and specific transition milestones will be provided as the plans are finalized. Providers, caregivers, and other community partners should continue monitoring official communications during the transition.
The goal is to transfer responsibility while maintaining continuity of services.
For providers, the most practical approach is to remain informed and keep their own documentation and compliance processes organized.
St. William Health Records can support that process through electronic records, alerts, and compliance checklists designed to help foster care organizations manage their documentation and compliance workflow.
The EMPOWER transition is a major change for Region 3E, but providers can take practical steps now to make sure their own organizations are prepared for the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the EMPOWER closures expected to occur?
The transition of Community-Based Care services in Region 3E is currently planned for November 1, 2026.
Which areas will be affected?
The transition affects Metroplex East, or Region 3E, which includes Dallas, Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties.
Who will replace EMPOWER?
TFCN will serve Dallas County, while OCOK will serve Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties.
Will foster care services stop during the transition?
No. DFPS says the organizations involved are working to maintain continuity of services throughout the transition.
How can St. William Health Records help during the transition?
Its electronic records, alerts, and compliance checklists can help providers organize documentation, monitor requirements, and keep important follow-up items visible.
Learn more about how St. William Health Records can support your organization’s electronic documentation and compliance workflow. Visit St. William Health Records and schedule a consultation.