Texas has experienced a significant transformation in its child welfare system over the past seven years, marked by a substantial decrease in child removals and a decline in fatalities due to abuse and neglect. According to recent data, the number of children removed from their homes in Texas dropped by 55% from over 20,000 in 2018 to 9,220 in 2024. Simultaneously, the number of children dying from abuse and neglect decreased by 53% during the same period.
This positive trend highlights a fundamental shift in the state's approach, focusing on keeping more families together while enhancing child safety. Jeremy Newman, Vice President of the Family Freedom Project (FFP), recently underscored these improvements in an opinion piece published in the Dallas Morning News titled "The Numbers Show a Child Welfare Revolution in Texas." The article emphasizes the significant impact of due process reforms in reshaping the state’s child protection strategies.
“The Texas Legislature and the courts have taken major strides in strengthening due process for families while still safeguarding children,” stated Jeremy Newman. “This data confirms what reform advocates have long argued—ensuring due process is protected does not mean compromising child safety. In fact, the two go hand in hand.”
The positive effects of these reforms extend beyond reduced removals. The number of children in foster care has seen a significant decline of 47%, and the number of children waiting for adoption has also dropped by 43%. Furthermore, Texas has recorded its lowest-ever six-month and one-year recidivism rates within the child welfare system, indicating improved long-term safety for children.
The Family Freedom Project remains a strong advocate for policies that prioritize both child protection and the fundamental rights of families. As the Texas Legislature continues its 2025 session, the FFP is urging lawmakers to build upon these successes and further strengthen justice within the child welfare system. The data suggests that Texas is making significant strides in creating a more effective and rights-respecting system for vulnerable children and families.
