Texas Senate approves agency reforms

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3 (UPI) -- The Texas Senate Thursday passed legislation to reform the state's troubled protective services for the elderly and children.

The bill would tighten procedures at the agencies and reduce caseloads of workers who investigate abuse. The action came after reports of children dying in abusive conditions despite investigations by state workers

"When 500 children have died of abuse or neglect in two-and-a-half years, one-quarter of whom had been investigated by CPS, it's outraging and the system must be reformed," said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Texas legislative leaders made reform of the two agencies -- Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services -- a top priority in the current session.

The foster care system is also addressed in the bill headed now for the House. The measure would transfer delivery of foster care services to private child-placing agencies, while allowing the state to retain a supervisory role.