Lack of permanency among foster youth is associated with a variety of negative outcomes that, in some unique cases, could be avoided by taking a restorative approach and expanding current options.

Key points:

  • While almost half of the states have implemented a reinstatement of rights statute, this option has yet to be extended to Texas families.
  • In 2018, over 5,000 children in Texas were separated from their parents whose parental rights were terminated.
  • With more than 1,200 youth aging out of the Texas foster care system each year, a process for reinstating the rights of parents who have rehabilitated may be in the best interest of many of these youth.
  • Texas should move toward implementing a reinstatement of parental rights statute to ensure children and families have every option available to promote safety and stability.