On Friday, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services stated that over 100 children have died in Texas since 2020. This is while the children were in the state’s care. Two of the deaths were COVID-19 related.
In 2020, forty-four children died, and in 2021, 38 children in the state’s child welfare system died. In the first three months of this year alone, twenty-two children have passed away.
Many of the deaths were documented as being caused by “preexisting medical conditions” or abuse experienced prior to the children being placed in the system.
Also noted in a report was that since 2020, six children had died from drowning and six by suicide. One child died by gunfire that happened during a police pursuit, and three died after experiencing some sort of violence after fleeing Child Protective Services.
“It’s the safety of these children that’s at stake here… that’s the most important thing we have. And I expect Texas to live up to its duties to keep these children safe,” said U.S. District Judge Janis Jack.
Two watchdogs were previously put in place. Their job includes looking over documents, conducting interviews, and identifying other problems in the system.
However, because many issues persist, the judge says a panel is necessay in order for systemwide recommendations.
