April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a dedicated period for raising awareness and promoting proactive measures to prevent child abuse and neglect. Established in 1983, this observance encourages communities nationwide to support families and ensure the well-being of children.

Why child abuse prevention matters for children in foster care

Child Abuse Prevention Month holds particular significance for foster children. Many enter the foster care system due to experiences of abuse or neglect. By focusing on prevention, we can address the root causes – potentially reducing the number of children having to enter the foster care system and ensuring safer environments for those who do.

Why are children removed from their homes in Texas?

In Texas, the primary reason for child removal is neglectful supervision, which is defined as not properly watching or caring for a child. This is often a situation where a child is put in danger or left in risky circumstances because they weren’t being appropriately supervised.

According to data from data.texas.gov, over the past three fiscal years, there has been a decline in the percentage of children removed for neglectful supervision and an increase in those removed for physical neglect and abuse. 

This shift underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing various forms of neglect and abuse.
 
Statistics on removals, abuse and neglect in Texas:

• Confirmed victims: In 2024, Texas reported over 53,000 confirmed child victims of abuse and neglect.
• Child fatalities: The number of Texas child fatalities due to abuse or neglect has been on a decline. In 2024, there were 99 confirmed fatalities, a 39.4% reduction from 251 confirmed fatalities in 2020.

In 2024, Texas had 234,795 total referrals for child abuse and neglect. Many of these referrals typically come from educators, such as teachers and school staff. Certain professions, including school personnel, doctors, nurses, social workers and law enforcement are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Of those referrals in 2024, 144,189 were screened in for response by Child Protective Services. The state served 16,707 children through the foster care system in the same year. These figures highlight the critical need for preventive measures and support systems to protect vulnerable children.

Creating resources and support to prevent abuse and neglect 

Preventing child abuse and neglect requires a multifaceted approach that includes community involvement, education and support services. In Texas, several programs are designed to strengthen families and provide the necessary resources to create safe environments for children. Buckner provides several services to help prevent child abuse. We believe strengthening the entire family can help prevent abuse and neglect by equipping parents with wrap-around support, education and access to aid.

The role of foster parents in prevention and care

Becoming a foster parent is a vital component in addressing child abuse and neglect. Foster parents provide safe and nurturing environments for children who have experienced trauma, offering them stability and support during challenging times. In addition, foster parents can work collaboratively with birth families and child welfare agencies to facilitate reunification when safe and appropriate, contributing to the overall prevention of future abuse and neglect.
 
Buckner Children and Family Services licenses families in multiple cities across Texas, including areas within 150 miles of Amarillo, Beaumont, Dallas, Fort Worth, Longview, Lubbock, Lufkin, Midland and the Rio Grande Valley. Foster families receive training, support, development and a community of other licensed families when they become licensed through Buckner.

Legislative changes impacting child welfare in Texas

Recent legislative efforts in Texas have focused on reforming the child welfare system to better support families and protect children:

• Senate Bill 593: Addresses rules and requirements for child welfare service providers, kinship placements and foster and adoptive families. This bill aims to improve outcomes for children by expanding the availability of services and promoting innovation in service delivery, especially in rural areas.
• House Bill 567: Enacted in a previous legislative session, this bill narrowed the definition of neglect, requiring evidence of "immediate danger" rather than a "substantial risk of harm" for child removal. This change aims to reduce unnecessary removals and keep families intact when safe to do so.

These legislative changes reflect Texas' commitment to refining its child welfare practices, emphasizing family preservation and ensuring interventions are both necessary and beneficial.

How can you help prevent child abuse?

Supporting families and promoting the well-being of children is a community effort. Here are ways you can make a difference:

• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills at local organizations like Buckner Family Hope Center® locations or Buckner Family Pathways® programs.
• Advocate: Stay informed about child welfare policies and advocate for legislation that supports family preservation and child protection.
• Pray: Get your church involved by participating in Blue Sunday and pray for the victims of child abuse as well as those working to stop it.
• Become a foster parent: Open your home to a child in need, providing them with a safe and loving environment.

By understanding these factors and supporting initiatives focused on prevention, communities can play a crucial role in reducing instances of child abuse and neglect, ensuring a safer and more stable environment for children to grow, thrive and reach their full potential. 

Becoming a foster family or supporting other foster families through respite, babysitting, donations or other ministries can provide children who have experienced abuse or neglect with safe homes and nurturing care, free from further abuse or neglect. 

Through education, advocacy and direct involvement, we can build a future where every child is protected, supported and given the opportunity to succeed.

Written by Wendy Robuck and Nicky Locker, regional directors for Buckner Foster Care and Adoption.

If you want to learn more about becoming a foster parent, sign up for one of our virtual information meetings.