Using monitored returns in all cases where reunification is the stated goal protects children from immediate danger, minimizes the traumatic impact of foster care, and helps families achieve more successful reunifications.
Key points:
-In Texas, removals of children by Child Protective Services has sharply increased since 2009, rising from 12,057 removals that year to nearly 20,000 removals in FY 2017.
-Children who may have already experienced the trauma of maltreatment will experience further trauma when removed from the home.
-Monitored returns allow the child to transition from substitute care to the parent while the parent completes their service plan, helping families reunify and protecting children against further trauma.