How a push to protect parental rights is reshaping Texas’ foster care system

Texas courts are increasing scrutiny of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) following recent rulings that challenge the agency's authority to permanently remove children from parents. A constitutional amendment protecting parental rights, voter-approved in 2023, has influenced cases where courts emphasized due process requirements for DFPS actions, including a case involving the Jackson family whose newborn was briefly taken due to a medical dispute.