TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

We are signing this petition in favor of Texas HB 3678. This HB will allow for the right to have fair and just decisions on all complaints and concerns filed by families, children and youth that are under the care of Child Protective Services (CPS), including those in foster care.

HB 3678 provides for the establishment of an independent investigator's office. This office will process all complaints filed. The independent investigator's office will be separate and independent of the Department of Family and Protective Services' structure. It will also have access to all information that is needed to perform its investigations and all case information will be confidential. State Legislators will receive an annual report from this independent office on case solutions and trends.

Child Protective Services (CPS) cannot investigate itself effectively, so processing all complaints through a state independent office will ensure that decisions, recommendations, and rulings are ethical and in compliance with our state laws and policies.

HB 3678 will provide the system reform that is crucially needed for Child Protective Services and thus provide compassionate, just, and quality service for all the children under its care. HB 3678 will enhance the present and future positive development of the Child Protective Services and the Department of Family and Protective Services as a whole.