The Texas child welfare system sits at a crossroads. For the first time in 13 years, the state may exit federal court oversight with much more power and freedom in 2025. What does that mean for the next legislative session, and what does Texas want for its children?
Paul Flahive hosted a panel of lawmakers, advocates and attorneys at TPR’s downtown San Antonio headquarters to discuss what’s possible, what’s needed and what comes next. Watch it here:
This discussion was produced as part of the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship.
Panelists:
Sen. José Menendez, District 26 state senator, including San Antonio
Rep. Josey Garcia, second term Texas House member serving West San Antonio’s House District 124 as the Legislature’s first woman veteran
Tom Molnar, chief operating officer for Divinity Family Services
Mercedes Bristol, founder of Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Lori Duke, co-director Children’s Rights Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law
Moderated by Paul Flahive, accountability reporter for Texas Public Radio