Pathways’ Family Champions Foster Parent Bill of Rights in 81st Session of Texas Legislature

Wendy Knox, and her husband Ken, who have been licensed in Del Rio as Pathways Foster-to-Adopt parents for over two years, are close to their goal of seeing a Foster Parent Bill or Rights be passed into law this legislative session. The bill (HB 3137) is scheduled for a vote in the House this month and the response so far has been very positive according to Mrs. Knox. She testified recently in committee after working with Representative Pete Gallego and his staff on drafting the bill.

The purpose of this bill is to require full disclosure to all foster parents of their rights and responsibilities while acting as the primary caregiver of children in the State’s care. It will also provide important guidelines for the working relationship between Child Protective Services (CPS) and foster parents as they can vary in different areas according to Mrs. Knox.

More than once, the Knox family was told they could not testify in court on behalf of a child they had been caring for. Mrs. Knox says, “There are things you know as a foster parent that CPS often isn’t aware of. We spend every day with the child and can provide valuable information regarding decisions made for their best interest.” She was shocked to find out she couldn’t provide this information and that was the moment her foster parent advocacy began.

Mrs. Knox says she wants all foster parents to be officially recognized as important members of the treatment team caring for children. She believes this will result in better outcomes for the children whose very futures hang in the balance while decisions are made by people who aren’t always fully informed.

All things considered, it appears that this bill will pass a floor vote in the House and move to the Senate. The Knox family and foster parents across the state will be watching very closely.

House Bill 3137 can be read and followed on the Texas Legislature Online web site.

—-UPDATE—- 
Governor Rick Perry Signed HB 3137 into law on June 19th, 2009.