Texas officials have canceled the contract with EMPOWER, the private provider managing foster care services in the Dallas area, following repeated child safety failures.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services made the decision Tuesday after months of oversight issues, staffing shortages and cases that placed children in imminent danger, including the deaths of two children under EMPOWER’s care. Two new contractors — Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) and Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) — will take over services in the nine-county region, which includes Dallas and Collin counties.
The transition will occur over several months, with EMPOWER continuing under receiver supervision until the handover is complete. DFPS Commissioner Audrey O’Neill emphasized that the change prioritizes safe, stable care for children and families in the Community-Based Care model.
EMPOWER began its contract in 2024 but quickly faced criticism for falling short on staffing, training and case management. The state appointed a receiver in March after persistent problems led to critical breakdowns. Attorneys and advocates had raised concerns for months, citing inadequate oversight that contributed to tragedy.
The move comes amid broader challenges in Texas’ efforts to privatize foster care management while addressing longstanding issues documented in a long-running federal lawsuit. The state has spent millions on reforms and monitoring.
For North Texas families and advocates, the change brings hope for improved outcomes but also uncertainty during the transition. Child welfare experts stress the need for close monitoring to ensure vulnerable children receive consistent, high-quality services.
DFPS said the decision followed an extensive assessment and continuous corrective actions that ultimately proved insufficient. The agency will work with the new providers to strengthen support for more than 2,000 children currently in the system.
Local leaders and child advocates in Dallas have welcomed the news, calling for greater accountability and resources to prevent future failures in the foster care system.
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