The state will take over direct management of the care and service of about 1,100 foster children after the contractor it had hired canceled its contract.
In a statement issued Friday, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services promised that foster children wouldn't be affected by the withdrawal of Providence Service Corp. of Texas.
The company had been serving state foster children in 60 West Texas counties under a five-year, $30 million-a-year contract that took effect Feb. 1, 2013. However, the company invoked an opt-out clause Friday.
The state recently told Providence of several areas where it had underperformed.
The state's 17,000-child foster system had been under scrutiny since seven foster children died of abuse or neglect in fiscal year 2013. Only one such youngster died this year.
Contractor Serving 1,100 Foster Children Quits
Copyright AP - Associated Press
