Below is a copy of the letter that Commissioner Birkman has sent out to invite representation from the different groups, offices or organizations that may have an interest in addressing current needs regarding foster care in Williamson County. We are planning to have monthly meetings for the next three months to improve the foster care system in the county and to gather input for state legislators. As you may know, the state primarily funds foster care, but the county also provides funding by paying for the assistant county attorneys who represent CPS in court cases, by funding attorneys ad litem for the foster children and often one or both of the parents, by funding the Child Welfare Board and more. Additionally, many non-profit and some for profit agencies provide services, such as the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Williamson County, a non-profit agency. Commissioner Birkman has been working closely with County Attorney Dee Hobbs, District Judge Betsy Lambeth and others on this important issue.
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Dear Interested Party:
I am writing to request your attendance or a representative of your group, office or organization to attend a series of three meetings this fall on improving the foster care system in Williamson County. As you know, for quite some time, discussions have been held at the state level on the need for improvements in foster care. I have been looking into the funding and procedures for foster care locally. I think we have a lot of really dedicated people and organizations working hard to assist the 400 or so children who are in care. However, despite our best efforts, in Williamson County, in the last year and a half, four foster children have died that were placed in Williamson County or were from the county. I would like to work to improve the lives of all foster children in our county, with your help.
Also, as most of you know, the state legislature is currently considering changes to the foster care system through the Sunset Review Committee process and a Special Committee on Foster Care. Two of our local representatives, Rep. Larry Gonzales and Sen. Charles Schwertner, serve on the Sunset Review Committee. Rep. Tony Dale serves on the Select Committee on Child Protection. I have spoken to all of these legislators and they would all welcome our input on this important issue.
All of the meetings will be held in the community rooms of the Williamson County Jester Annex, 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664. The schedule and focus of the meetings will be as follows:
Thursday, September 25th 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.-Discussion on the Current State of the Foster Care System in Williamson County
Friday, October 10th 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.-Discussion on the Possible Closing of the Gaps in Foster Care in Williamson County
Monday, November 17th 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.-Discussion on the Implementation of Possible Solutions and Recommendations to the Legislature
If you or a representative of your group, office or organization can attend the meetings, that would be great. Please respond to my executive assistant, mclark@wilco.org or 512-244-8610 to let us know if you or a representative will attend the meetings. Ms. Clark can also answer any questions. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and working together collaboratively on this important issue!
Best,
Lisa Birkman
Williamson County Commissioner, Pct. One
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